In a rain-delayed Monday race at the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, “Fast” Jack Beckman collected his ninth NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series national-event win in his 18th career final round, by outpacing 14-time John Force in the final round.
Driving the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger Funny Car, honoring the U.S. Troops overseas with its “To Afghanistan With Love” theme, Beckman produced a stellar run of 4.121 seconds at 301.13 mph to defeat Force’s tire-smoking 6.316/106.24, earning his first win of the 2010 season and his second at this venue (2008).
“I always wondered what it was like for the pro drivers who won a delayed race and nobody was in the stands,” said Beckman, who is now second in the point standings. “You like to get that fan fare of everybody cheering when you’re coming back down the return road. That is an irreplaceable feeling. We didn’t have that today.
“This victory was special for a couple of reasons. We overcame a lot of adversity this weekend, we weathered the storm and beat John Force in the final.
“It was a very tragic weekend and our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved one on Sunday. It’s very difficult for all the racers when something like that happens. To overcome the heavy emotions that go with that and have all the guys go out and do their jobs perfectly is amazingly rewarding.
“And then to be able to keep our focus during all these delays, and there were lots and lots of delays. It was not just yesterday, but today as well. And to be able to beat John Force when John is back in his prime, was also rewarding.
“Some have argued that he has spread himself too thin the last few years and perhaps he wasn’t the same as that John Force that dominated for so long. I think car-wise and driver-wise he’s back at the top of his game. So, for us to go out there and beat him when that team has been running so well, I think we’re making a statement and making it early.”
Next up is the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 13-15, 2010.
UNOFFICIAL FUNNY CAR POINT STANDINGS, AFTER TWO EVENTS, as of 2/22/10:
1. John Force, 224 (runner-up today)
2. Jack Beckman, 187 (winner today)
3. Ron Capps, 148
4. Robert Hight, 121
5. Matt Hagan, 120
6. Ashley Force Hood, 111
7. Bob Tasca III, 111
8. Tony Pedregon, 104
9. Del Worsham, 97
10. Jim Head, 86
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