NHRA’s Virginia Nationals sees FC class drivers face the most heated track & atmospheric conditions of the season so far.

Funny Car points leader and reigning world champion Austin Prock won for the second straight year at Virginia Motorsports Park, defeating John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman in the final round of the fifth annual American Rebel Light Virginia Nationals.

In the final round, Prock went 4.061-seconds at 318.02 mph in his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car, holding off Beckman at the finish line and picking up his third win of the season. Prock defeated Cruz Pedregon, Bob Tasca III and J.R. Todd to advance to the final round en route to his 15th career victory. Prock and team delivered a strong performance and it came at an ideal time after the reigning champ lost in the first round at the past two races.

It was also an emotional win for Prock, as the matchup between JFR teammates took place a year after legendary Funny Car driver John Force was involved in a massive crash at Virginia Motorsports Park. Prock won on that trying weekend a year ago and was thrilled to hand another trophy to Force with his boss in attendance on Sunday.

“A lot of emotion for sure. Getting to win last year, that was huge and being able to take the Wally to John as a team, that’s what we wanted to do again today, and I’m happy that we could go back-to-back and get the job done for him,” Prock said. “The trophy’s going home with him. I might have to hide it in his suitcase or something. He won’t take it off my hand, but it’s definitely going back with him.

“He does so much for me, and he’s given me an opportunity in a lifetime to live my dream, so to win for him again today and be able to celebrate his health and have him back out at the racetrack and doing good and getting better every day means a lot for our team and all our partners and even NHRA. This sport is not the same without John Force. We’re very blessed to have him at the racetrack.”

Beckman moved back to second in points, reaching the finals for the third time this season and 75th time in his career after round wins against Jim Campbell, Paul Lee and Daniel Wilkerson. Prock leads his teammate by 60 points heading to the halfway mark of the season.

Daniel Wilkerson’s strong “final four” finish on Sunday was preceeded by his first career Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win – recording on Saturday. In that final round he bested Ron Capps after defeating Paul Lee in round one for that competition.

NHRA Virginia Nationals – Funny Car Class Summary

WIN: Austin Prock – 4.061 secs 318.02 mph (Career win #15)
R/UP: Jack Beckman – 4.071 secs 305.42 mph
Low ET: Jack Beckman – 3.988 secs
Top MPH: Austin Prock – 323.66 mph
Bump: 9.864
Entries – 16 cars

Posted with files by NHRA Communications & Bruce Biegler
Photos by Dave DeAngelis

To view additional FC class photos from this race – link to LMLC Media photo gallery : HERE