Tim Wilkerson raced to his first Funny Car victory since 2011 during the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals held at Atlanta Dragway….

Wilkerson, who had not won since 2011 in Seattle, ran a 4.318-second pass at 260.31 mph in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Ford Shelby Mustang to better Ron Capps, who trailed with a 5.781 at 125.90 in his NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger R/T. This is Wilkerson’s 18th career win and first ever at Atlanta.

(Tim Wilkerson ended a long winless streak at NHRA Atlanta)

“That 4.03 in the first round was pretty impressive,” said Wilkerson. “I was happy with that. As the track got hotter, I did a good job until the finals. I’m really unhappy about what it did in the final. I was trying to go about a .14, and the thing broke the tires loose.”

En route to the winner’s circle, Wilkerson raced past Del Worsham, Jack Beckman and John Force in the earlier rounds. Wilkerson, who qualified sixth, is now No. 8 in points standing.

Capps, the Gainesville and Houston winner, beat Alexis DeJoria, No. 1 qualifier Cruz Pedregon and defending world champ Matt Hagan on his way to the final round. Capps retained the points lead in Funny Car.

(Cruz Pedregon drove his Snap-On Tools Toyota to the #1 qualifier position)

Event Essentials:   NHRA Summit Racing Southern Nationals (May 15-17th, 2015) 

(Defending World Champ Matt Hagan set top speed at 319.37 mph)

Posted by:  NHRA Communications

Photos by:  Bruce Biegler