BROWNSBURG, Ind. (March 15, 2016) – This weekend at Gainesville Raceway, Jack Beckman could reach a milestone in his career: 300 professional round wins. As the NHRA Mello Yello Series moves to Florida and the East Coast this weekend, Beckman has his sights set on something even bigger.
“Honestly I’m not shooting for my 300th round win. I want to leave Gainesville with 303 round wins,” said Beckman. “I want to take the Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T all the way to the winner’s circle.”
As for the milestone, the 2012 Funny Car World Champion feels fortunate to have come this far in his career. Beckman is quick to give credit to the people who have helped him win over the years and put him in the winner’s circle, which include past crew chiefs, team members and Don Schumacher Racing owner Don Schumacher.
“I didn’t realize until last week I had 299 professional round wins. It really made me think: 299 is a lot of round wins. If you told me 20 years ago that I would have 22 National event wins, three Shoot-Out wins and the 2012 Funny Car World Championship – I don’t know if I would have believed you,” said Beckman. “It is a true testament to my crew chiefs over the years that I am able to reach this milestone,” said Beckman. “I’ve been fortunate to have Don Schumacher stand behind me and help me see so many win lights in my career.”
Beckman comes into the NHRA Gatornationals seventh in NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car Standings. Two weeks ago in Phoenix, Beckman qualified No. 6 with a 3.959 elapse time at 319.22 mph. He defeated Alexis DeJoria in round one, but fell to John Force in round two.
Something else Beckman is looking forward to this weekend in Gainesville is inducting legendary Funny Car owner and driver, Gas Ronda, into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame on Thursday evening.
“This is the third time I have been lucky enough to induct one of my heroes into the Hall of Fame,” said Beckman. “I’m so honored to be paying homage to those who paved the way in racing before me.”
Fans at home will be able to cheer on Beckman and the Infinite Hero team on FOX Sports 1. An hour of qualifying coverage will air Friday night at 9 p.m. EST and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. EST. On Sunday, FOX Sports 1 presents live coverage of eliminations starting at 1 p.m. EST.
JACK BECKMAN: Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
BY THE NUMBERS FOR GAINESVILLE
Last event (Feb. 26-28 at Phoenix): Qualified No. 6, lost in second round to John Force
2015 at Gainesville: Qualified No. 5, lost in second round to Tim Wilkerson
Career at Gainesville: Wins 0; Runner-ups 0; Poles 0
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2016 7th 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2-2
2015 2nd 24 7 2 4 5 5 5 1 46-16
CAREER 230 22 22 41 65 73 16 7 299-201
Best Time, Speed: 3.884 sec.-national record (2015, Pomona 2); 328.38 (2015, Pomona 2)
2016 NHRA MELLO YELLO FUNNY CAR STANDINGS – (through Phoenix)
DRIVER (wins) PTS
1. Ron Caps (1) 183
2. John Force 168
3. Robert Hight 158
4. Del Worsham 154
5. Tim Wilkerson (1) 147
6. Courtney Force 141
7. JACK BECKMAN 121
8. Alexis DeJoria 87
9. Chad Head 86
10. Tommy Johnson Jr. 85
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