BROWNSBURG, Ind. (March 29, 2016) – Jack Beckman and Don Schumacher Racing’s Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car team led by crew chief Jimmy Prock returned to their record-setting ways two weeks ago at Gainesville, Fla.
Prock, with assistant crew chiefs John Medlen and Chris Cunningham, tuned Beckman and the team fully-funded by Terry Chandler to a national record elapsed time of 3.879 seconds that matches DSR teammate Matt Hagan for quickest run ever by a Funny Car.
It marks the fifth time in less than a year when the Infinite Hero team has reset the national time record.
The Infinite Hero team took record-setting a step further when its speed of 329.26 mph on that run not only eclipsed the Gainesville track record for Funny Cars but also was faster than any Top Fuel dragster has gone in the Gatornationals over a 1,000-foot course.
“(Gainesville) was about setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in ‘National Dragster.’ Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
The Funny Car records at Gainesville bring the Infinite Hero team’s total track records to 11 including seven for elapsed time and four for speed.
While records are nice, winning is paramount. And Beckman says he’s overdue at Las Vegas, where he made his first Top Fuel run in 2005 and won his first Funny Car title in the following year after joining Don Schumacher Racing.
“Las Vegas is a track where you get two shots a year to win,” he said of its spring and fall races. “It’s unusual that it’s been 10 years since my first and only nitro win there.”
He also wants to stop a streak of six Mello Yello events in which he hasn’t hoisted a trophy on Sunday.
“We haven’t won a trophy since Maple Grove (at Reading, Pa.) with three races left in the last season. It’s not like I necessarily feel like we’re overdue, but I’m chomping at the bit because we know what we’re capable of doing. After the season we had last year (seven wins and second in points) you don’t want to go seven races without a win.
“We had become accustom to finishing late on Sunday. Everything is there. We have everything we need to finish in the winner’s circle.”
After winning his second pole of the season and 17th of his career, Beckman advanced to the semifinals at Gainesville before a seized bearing in the supercharger prevented him to abort the run before he went more than a few feet against teammate Ron Capps.
“I felt like we let that one slip away,” said Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion and winner of 22 NHRA Wally trophies. “You have to capitalize on the opportunity when you have a car running that well. That was an extra hard punch in the gut. We couldn’t get it off the starting line and Ron smoked the tires but won.”
But the Infinite Hero team was able to jump from seventh to fourth in points after the third event of the 24-race NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season and is 75 points out of the lead.
JACK BECKMAN: Infinite Hero 2016 Dodge Charger R/T
Last event (March 18-20 at Gainesville): Qualified No. 1, lost in semifinals to Ron Capps
2015 Las Vegas 1: Qualified No. 2, lost in first round to Cruz Pedregon
2015 Las Vegas 2: Qualified No. 4, lost in second round to Ron Capps
Career at Las Vegas 1: Wins 0; Runner-ups 0 Poles 0
Career at Las Vegas: Wins 1 (2006); Runner-ups 2 (2012, 2009); Poles 0
Pts Events Wins Rup Semi Qtr 1st rd Poles DNQ W/L
2016 4th 3 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 4-3
2015 2nd 24 7 2 4 5 5 5 1 46-16
CAREER 231 22 22 42 65 73 17 7 301-202 Best Time, Speed: 3.879 sec.-national record (2016, Gainesville); 329.26 (2016, Gainesville)
2016 NHRA MELLO YELLO STANDINGS
(Official after Gainesville, third of 24 events; wins in parenthesis, DSR drivers in CAPS)
Funny Car
1. Robert Hight (1) 280
2. RON CAPPS (1) 279
3. John Force 221
4. JACK BECKMAN 205
5. Courtney Force 201
6. Del Worsham 189
7. Tim Wilkerson (1) 183
8. Chad Head 162
9.Alexis DeJoria 119
10. MATT HAGAN 118
11. TOMMY JOHNSON JR. 117
FULL ARTICLE
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
DSR: Beckman’s record-breaking Gators goes up in smoke in semifinals
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 20, 2016)— A weekend for the record books at the Mello Yello Racing Series 47th annual NHRA Gatornationals for “Fast” Jack Beckman unfortunately ended in the semifinal round against Don Schumacher Racing teammate Ron Capps on Sunday.
The driver of the Terry Chandler-funded Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T earned his first-ever pole at this legendary event with an elapsed time of 3.879 seconds, good for the new national record, and earned his 300th career round victory to kick off the event.
He would go on to take the win light against John Force, who fouled out after leaving the starting line too soon, in the second round, but ultimately fell to Capps in the semifinal when his Funny Car’s engine gave up the ghost in a decidedly odd series of events.
After the burnout in the semifinals, Beckman had a hard time backing his machine up and when he hit the loud pedal, the car moved about ten feet and stopped.
Unfortunately, the veteran Funny Car driver knew exactly what happened.
“It’s actually happened to me once before,” said the 2012 NHRA Funny Car champion. “It seized the bearing for the blower drive, and once that happens, it gets so hot that it boils the seal and all the fluid in the supercharger shoots out the front. Poor (crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) almost got a bath in it when he went to turn the idle screw right before.”
Beckman knew he would need some luck on his side to beat his DSR teammate, but it was Capps who got the break. “The only option I had was the change up my starting line routine,” Beckman said. “We went in and lit both bulbs. Ron’s experienced, he didn’t fall for it, and then to kind of rub salt in the wound, you see them struggle and then think ‘Wow!’ Any other run…
“But that’s the nature of drag racing. We got a lucky break against Force in the second round when he smoked the tires. I think when you’re running consistently well, you put yourself in a position to take advantage of lucky breaks. We need to be a little more consistent.”
The next stop on the Mello Yello tour is April 1-3 with the NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
FUNNY CAR
Winner: Robert Hight (John Force Racing)
No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T
Qualified: No. 1
SUNDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATIONS
First round: BECKMAN (3.919 sec., 324.90) def. Jeff Diehl (12.641. 77.99)
Second round: BECKMAN (8.061, 74.67) def. John Force (DQ/redlight)
Semifinals: Ron Capps (6.151, 194.80) def. BECKMAN (shut off)
QUALIFYING
SATURDAY: 7.633 sec., 76.84 mph, (Session 3); 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record), (Session 4)
FRIDAY: 5.806, 115.79, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Standings
(Unofficial after 3 of 24 events; DSR drivers in CAPS; wins in parenthesis)
Funny Car
1. Robert Hight (1) 280
2. RON CAPPS (1) 279
3. John Force 221
4. JACK BECKMAN 205
5. Courtney Force 201
6. Del Worsham 189
7. Tim Wilkerson (1) 183
8. Chad Head 162
9.Alexis DeJoria 119
10. MATT HAGAN 118
11. TOMMY JOHNSON JR. 117
12. Cruz Pedregon 114
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The driver of the Terry Chandler-funded Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T earned his first-ever pole at this legendary event with an elapsed time of 3.879 seconds, good for the new national record, and earned his 300th career round victory to kick off the event.
He would go on to take the win light against John Force, who fouled out after leaving the starting line too soon, in the second round, but ultimately fell to Capps in the semifinal when his Funny Car’s engine gave up the ghost in a decidedly odd series of events.
After the burnout in the semifinals, Beckman had a hard time backing his machine up and when he hit the loud pedal, the car moved about ten feet and stopped.
Unfortunately, the veteran Funny Car driver knew exactly what happened.
“It’s actually happened to me once before,” said the 2012 NHRA Funny Car champion. “It seized the bearing for the blower drive, and once that happens, it gets so hot that it boils the seal and all the fluid in the supercharger shoots out the front. Poor (crew chief) Jimmy (Prock) almost got a bath in it when he went to turn the idle screw right before.”
Beckman knew he would need some luck on his side to beat his DSR teammate, but it was Capps who got the break. “The only option I had was the change up my starting line routine,” Beckman said. “We went in and lit both bulbs. Ron’s experienced, he didn’t fall for it, and then to kind of rub salt in the wound, you see them struggle and then think ‘Wow!’ Any other run…
“But that’s the nature of drag racing. We got a lucky break against Force in the second round when he smoked the tires. I think when you’re running consistently well, you put yourself in a position to take advantage of lucky breaks. We need to be a little more consistent.”
The next stop on the Mello Yello tour is April 1-3 with the NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
FUNNY CAR
Winner: Robert Hight (John Force Racing)
No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T
Qualified: No. 1
SUNDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATIONS
First round: BECKMAN (3.919 sec., 324.90) def. Jeff Diehl (12.641. 77.99)
Second round: BECKMAN (8.061, 74.67) def. John Force (DQ/redlight)
Semifinals: Ron Capps (6.151, 194.80) def. BECKMAN (shut off)
QUALIFYING
SATURDAY: 7.633 sec., 76.84 mph, (Session 3); 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record), (Session 4)
FRIDAY: 5.806, 115.79, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Standings
(Unofficial after 3 of 24 events; DSR drivers in CAPS; wins in parenthesis)
Funny Car
1. Robert Hight (1) 280
2. RON CAPPS (1) 279
3. John Force 221
4. JACK BECKMAN 205
5. Courtney Force 201
6. Del Worsham 189
7. Tim Wilkerson (1) 183
8. Chad Head 162
9.Alexis DeJoria 119
10. MATT HAGAN 118
11. TOMMY JOHNSON JR. 117
12. Cruz Pedregon 114
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Racin' Today: Beckman Sets ET Record En Route To Gatornationals Pole
Morning rain delayed the start of
Saturday’s qualifying for the 47th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA
Gatornationals, and it paid off in record-smashing fashion for Jack
Beckman.
“Fast Jack” began the fourth and final session at Gainesville Raceway on the provisional pole and was in the last pair of Funny Cars to go down the Florida track Saturday evening. Beckman posted a 1,000-foot pass of 3.879-seconds at 329.26 mph in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record. That time also is a track record. The 2012 world champion, Beckman now has 17 poles in his career and two in 2016.
Beckman, who will open eliminations Sunday against Jeff Diehl, is hoping to turn his first Gainesville pole into his first win at the historic East Coast facility.
“I’m always excited to come here,” Beckman said. “This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.” In addition to Prock, Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing crew includes assistant crew chiefs John Medlen and Chris Cunningham.
“I’m proud of the guys,” Beckman added. “That’s two-of-four runs on this car since our (fabrication) shop front-halved the chassis. I knew our (3.913) Friday night could have been quicker and we showed that tonight.”
FULL ARTICLE
“Fast Jack” began the fourth and final session at Gainesville Raceway on the provisional pole and was in the last pair of Funny Cars to go down the Florida track Saturday evening. Beckman posted a 1,000-foot pass of 3.879-seconds at 329.26 mph in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record. That time also is a track record. The 2012 world champion, Beckman now has 17 poles in his career and two in 2016.
Beckman, who will open eliminations Sunday against Jeff Diehl, is hoping to turn his first Gainesville pole into his first win at the historic East Coast facility.
“I’m always excited to come here,” Beckman said. “This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.” In addition to Prock, Beckman’s Don Schumacher Racing crew includes assistant crew chiefs John Medlen and Chris Cunningham.
“I’m proud of the guys,” Beckman added. “That’s two-of-four runs on this car since our (fabrication) shop front-halved the chassis. I knew our (3.913) Friday night could have been quicker and we showed that tonight.”
FULL ARTICLE
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Jacksonville.com: NHRA, drivers make difference with Infinte Hero, Make-A-Wish groups
In one of the most unusual sponsorship agreements in professional sports history, Beckman and Johnson have sponsorships from two charitable organizations. Beckman drives the Infinite Hero Funny Car; Johnson pedals the Make-A-Wish Funny Car.
And neither charity pays a dime for the ride.
The program is the quiet creation of Terry Chandler. The sister of former Funny Car driver and 2013 Gatornationals winner Johnny Gray Jr. uses a portion of an inheritance to generate support for two worthy causes. The NHRA has proved to be a worthy vehicle to deliver the message.
Always around and usually far from the spotlight, Chandler generally avoids interviews and accolades. After she arranged a meeting between Johnson and Motley’s family at the busy Gainesville Raceway garage area Saturday, Chandler reluctantly talked about the programs.
“It’s not about me,” she said. “I’m just a simple woman. It hurts my heart to see people hurt. This heals my heart.”
It also heals broken lives.
In the past year, Linfoot has been fitted with an exoskeleton. It’s a bionic brace that’s strapped to his back and legs that enables him to walk. The brace cost $125,000 and was entirely paid by the race team.
“This is changing lives,” Beckman said. “When we deal with our veterans, it’s about family. It’s that way in the NHRA, too. We’ve found all they want is to be normal. While it may not be the exact normal they’ve known, Infinite Hero is doing a wonderful job of making that happen.”
The program has helped Linfoot take “250,000 steps and counting.” It also will allow him to walk his daughter down the aisle when she gets married in October.
“Terry’s a sweetheart,” Linfoot said. “Four or five years ago, walking again would have just been a pipe dream.”
Beckman carries military-like challenge coins inside his Dodge Charger. Fans can buy one for $100 after each round, and all money goes to the veterans’ charity that was created by Oakley Sunglasses. In addition to paying for Linfoot’s exoskeleton, the team raised $170,000 by selling the coins and more than $200,000 in other promotions.
“I can 100 percent guarantee you, it’s helping lives,” Beckman said.
FULL ARTICLE
And neither charity pays a dime for the ride.
The program is the quiet creation of Terry Chandler. The sister of former Funny Car driver and 2013 Gatornationals winner Johnny Gray Jr. uses a portion of an inheritance to generate support for two worthy causes. The NHRA has proved to be a worthy vehicle to deliver the message.
Always around and usually far from the spotlight, Chandler generally avoids interviews and accolades. After she arranged a meeting between Johnson and Motley’s family at the busy Gainesville Raceway garage area Saturday, Chandler reluctantly talked about the programs.
“It’s not about me,” she said. “I’m just a simple woman. It hurts my heart to see people hurt. This heals my heart.”
It also heals broken lives.
In the past year, Linfoot has been fitted with an exoskeleton. It’s a bionic brace that’s strapped to his back and legs that enables him to walk. The brace cost $125,000 and was entirely paid by the race team.
“This is changing lives,” Beckman said. “When we deal with our veterans, it’s about family. It’s that way in the NHRA, too. We’ve found all they want is to be normal. While it may not be the exact normal they’ve known, Infinite Hero is doing a wonderful job of making that happen.”
The program has helped Linfoot take “250,000 steps and counting.” It also will allow him to walk his daughter down the aisle when she gets married in October.
“Terry’s a sweetheart,” Linfoot said. “Four or five years ago, walking again would have just been a pipe dream.”
Beckman carries military-like challenge coins inside his Dodge Charger. Fans can buy one for $100 after each round, and all money goes to the veterans’ charity that was created by Oakley Sunglasses. In addition to paying for Linfoot’s exoskeleton, the team raised $170,000 by selling the coins and more than $200,000 in other promotions.
“I can 100 percent guarantee you, it’s helping lives,” Beckman said.
FULL ARTICLE
RACER/NHRA: Beckman's record pace leads Gainesville qualifiers
Jack Beckman set a national record and raced to the No. 1 qualifier
in Funny Car at the 47th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on
Saturday. Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie
Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers at the third
of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Beckman (pictured) posted a 3.879-second at 329.26 mph sprint in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record and become the No. 1 qualifier. His time was a Gainesville Raceway track record. He has 17 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two so far in 2016. This is his first No. 1 at Gainesville Raceway and he will hope to secure his first win at the facility tomorrow. Beckman will open eliminations against Jeff Diehl.
"I'm always excited to come here," said Beckman. "This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go."
FULL ARTICLE
Beckman (pictured) posted a 3.879-second at 329.26 mph sprint in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record and become the No. 1 qualifier. His time was a Gainesville Raceway track record. He has 17 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two so far in 2016. This is his first No. 1 at Gainesville Raceway and he will hope to secure his first win at the facility tomorrow. Beckman will open eliminations against Jeff Diehl.
"I'm always excited to come here," said Beckman. "This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go."
FULL ARTICLE
FoxSports.com: Track and National records fall during NHRA Gatornationals qualifying
In Funny Car, Fast Jack Beckman set the national ET record with a
pass at 3.879 seconds at 329.26 mph (track speed record). to take the
No. 1 qualifier spot, his second of the season and the 17th of his
career. Beckman will face Jeff Diehl in Sunday’s first round.
For Beckman, the national record did not come as a surprise.
“On our 3.91 from yesterday, we were actually kind of conservative and I thought we easily could have got two hundredths on that,” Beckman said. “And then, earlier today, (crew chief Jimmy Prock) was talking about some splits that would have been even quicker than that .879 … driving for Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
FULL ARTICLE
For Beckman, the national record did not come as a surprise.
“On our 3.91 from yesterday, we were actually kind of conservative and I thought we easily could have got two hundredths on that,” Beckman said. “And then, earlier today, (crew chief Jimmy Prock) was talking about some splits that would have been even quicker than that .879 … driving for Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
FULL ARTICLE
Motor Sports Newswire: Beckman, Crampton, Line and Krawiec are No.1 Qualifiers at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
GAINESVILLE, FL – March 19, 2016
– Jack Beckman set a national record and raced to the No. 1 qualifier
in Funny Car at the 47th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on
Saturday.
Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers at the third of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Beckman posted a 3.879-second at 329.26 mph sprint in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record and become the No. 1 qualifier. His time was a Gainesville Raceway track record. He has 17 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two so far in 2016.
This is his first No. 1 at Gainesville Raceway and he will hope to secure his first win at the facility tomorrow. Beckman will open eliminations against Jeff Diehl.
“I’m always excited to come here,” said Beckman. “This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
Courtney Force qualified second in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 3.893 at 322.96. Force will open eliminations against Dave Richards. Her John Force Racing teammate, Robert Hight, pushed his Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS to a 3.921 at 327.43 to qualify third. Hight will face Terry Haddock in Sunday’s first round.
Phoenix winner Tim Wilkerson will enter eliminations as the fourth qualifier and race Cruz Pedregon. Pomona winner Ron Capps is fifth and will meet John Hale in the opening round.
Eliminations at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE
Richie Crampton (Top Fuel), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also were No. 1 qualifiers at the third of 24 events in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.
Beckman posted a 3.879-second at 329.26 mph sprint in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T to reset the elapsed time national record and become the No. 1 qualifier. His time was a Gainesville Raceway track record. He has 17 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and two so far in 2016.
This is his first No. 1 at Gainesville Raceway and he will hope to secure his first win at the facility tomorrow. Beckman will open eliminations against Jeff Diehl.
“I’m always excited to come here,” said Beckman. “This place was setting records long before I ever came out here when I was reading about it in National Dragster. Driving for (crew chief) Jimmy Prock, we can set records most places we go.”
Courtney Force qualified second in her Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 3.893 at 322.96. Force will open eliminations against Dave Richards. Her John Force Racing teammate, Robert Hight, pushed his Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS to a 3.921 at 327.43 to qualify third. Hight will face Terry Haddock in Sunday’s first round.
Phoenix winner Tim Wilkerson will enter eliminations as the fourth qualifier and race Cruz Pedregon. Pomona winner Ron Capps is fifth and will meet John Hale in the opening round.
Eliminations at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
FULL ARTICLE
WPTZ: Beckman breaks Funny Car record at Gatornationals
Jack Beckman set a national Funny Car record with a
pass of 3.879 seconds to take the No. 1 qualifying spot heading into
Sunday's NHRA eliminations in the Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals in
Gainesville, Fla.
DSR: National record time puts Beckman, Infinite Hero Dodge on pole; Brown leads DSR Top Fuel dragsters with No. 3 seed in Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 19, 2016) – Morning rain delayed the start of Saturday’s qualifying for the 47th annual NHRA Gatornationals, and it paid off for Jack Beckman and Don Schumacher Racing’s Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car team.
Beckman began the fourth and final session with the provisional pole and was in the last pair of Funny Cars to go down the track Saturday evening and improved on his previous best time with an NHRA national record run of 3.879 seconds at a track-record speed of 329.26 mph.
The No. 1 qualifying position is the second in three Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events for Beckman and the team led by crew chief Jimmy Prock and assistants John Medlen and Chris Cunningham.
“I’m proud of the guys. That’s two of four runs on this car since our (fabrication) shop front-halved the chassis,” said Beckman, the 2012 NHRA Funny Car world championship.
“I knew our (3.913) last night could have been quicker and we showed that tonight.”
Championship eliminations begin at 11 a.m. (ET) Sunday with a three-hour live telecast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) starting at 1 p.m. (ET).
FUNNY CAR
No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.879 sec. (national record), 329.26 mph (track record)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
Qualified: No.
SUNDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATIONS
First round: BECKMAN vs. Jeff Diehl
QUALIFYING
SATURDAY: 7.633 sec., 76.84 mph, (Session 3); 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record), (Session 4)
FRIDAY: 5.806, 115.79, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
FULL ARTICLE
Beckman began the fourth and final session with the provisional pole and was in the last pair of Funny Cars to go down the track Saturday evening and improved on his previous best time with an NHRA national record run of 3.879 seconds at a track-record speed of 329.26 mph.
The No. 1 qualifying position is the second in three Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events for Beckman and the team led by crew chief Jimmy Prock and assistants John Medlen and Chris Cunningham.
“I’m proud of the guys. That’s two of four runs on this car since our (fabrication) shop front-halved the chassis,” said Beckman, the 2012 NHRA Funny Car world championship.
“I knew our (3.913) last night could have been quicker and we showed that tonight.”
Championship eliminations begin at 11 a.m. (ET) Sunday with a three-hour live telecast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) starting at 1 p.m. (ET).
FUNNY CAR
No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.879 sec. (national record), 329.26 mph (track record)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
Qualified: No.
SUNDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATIONS
First round: BECKMAN vs. Jeff Diehl
QUALIFYING
SATURDAY: 7.633 sec., 76.84 mph, (Session 3); 3.879 (national record), 329.26 (track record), (Session 4)
FRIDAY: 5.806, 115.79, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
FULL ARTICLE
Friday, March 18, 2016
Jacksonville.com: Weather puts drivers in hurry at Gatornationals
...None was more alarming that Jack Beckman’s 3.913-second run late in the afternoon with a top-end speed of 323.74 mph.
“That’s a perfect day for me,” he said.
Beckman, Ron Capps, Courtney Force, Robert Hight, Del Worsham, Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson and Head all beat the previous Funny Car track record.
“It’s headers, headers, headers,” Beckman said. “Ever since we laid the headers back, you’ve seen this. I believe there’s a 3.8 [second] out there.
“What’s scary is that wasn’t all the car had. We weren’t swinging for the fence.”
The exhaust pipes for Funny Cars used to point upward. When the engine is a full power, it essentially creates thrust that keeps the car glued to the race track.
The class went to new headers that are aimed upward and toward the back of the car. It still creates some downforce, but it also adds a forward boost.
With 15 Funny Cars in the field, everyone was guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s run-offs. Top Fuel has 16 cars, so nobody will be sent home before the round-of-16 eliminations.
Force waited until dusk to set the lowest elapsed time of the day. And like Beckman, she said the car was capable of even more.
FULL ARTICLE
“That’s a perfect day for me,” he said.
Beckman, Ron Capps, Courtney Force, Robert Hight, Del Worsham, Matt Hagan, Tim Wilkerson and Head all beat the previous Funny Car track record.
“It’s headers, headers, headers,” Beckman said. “Ever since we laid the headers back, you’ve seen this. I believe there’s a 3.8 [second] out there.
“What’s scary is that wasn’t all the car had. We weren’t swinging for the fence.”
The exhaust pipes for Funny Cars used to point upward. When the engine is a full power, it essentially creates thrust that keeps the car glued to the race track.
The class went to new headers that are aimed upward and toward the back of the car. It still creates some downforce, but it also adds a forward boost.
With 15 Funny Cars in the field, everyone was guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s run-offs. Top Fuel has 16 cars, so nobody will be sent home before the round-of-16 eliminations.
Force waited until dusk to set the lowest elapsed time of the day. And like Beckman, she said the car was capable of even more.
FULL ARTICLE
NHRA: Beckman, Force lead Gainesville qualifying
...
Beckman set a Gainesville Raceway Funny Car track record during Friday’s second session with a 3.913 at 323.74 in his Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T. There were eight three-second runs in Funny Car on Friday. Beckman has 16 No. 1 qualifiers in his career and is two sessions away from securing his first in Gainesville.
Beckman opened the 2016 season with a No. 1 qualifier at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals in Pomona. Last year, Beckman won a career-high seven events and reset the national record four times before finishing second in points to eventual world champion Del Worsham.
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DSR: Beckman, Infinite Hero Dodge on cusp of second pole in three races; Brown No. 2 in Top Fuel with Matco team to open Gatornationals
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 18, 2016) – Don Schumacher Racing
capitalized on a two-hour delay Friday that produced the best conditions
of the day in qualifying for the 47th annual NHRA Gatornationals as
Jack Beckman and the Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T set track records
and are poised to earn their second pole in the third event of the
24-race Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.
Right on the heels of Beckman’s 3.913 seconds at 323.74 mph pass is teammate Ron Capps and the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge with crew chief Rahn Tobler whose team holds the No. 2 provisional position after winning the pole two weeks ago near Phoenix and being second to Beckman at the opener at Pomona, Calif.
Heavy rain on Thursday followed by a dreary forecast was complicated after a couple on-track incidents during Sportsman competition led Friday’s second session beginning around 6 p.m. with a dry, tight track and temperatures in the mid-70s under a cloudy sky.
“It’s always tough when you show up to a race and the forecast is rain, rain, rain,” Beckman said. “It rained yesterday and it didn’t look good for today. Gainesville is the Winternationals (season-opener) of the East Coast and you want to race for the fans.
“We got the first run in and we smoked the tires. I was sure that was going to be our only run of the day. I was a little frustrated.
“To be able to get both sessions in for the fans, and to be able to run that good makes it a perfect day,” said Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion who won a category and career best seven races a year ago.
Beckman is seeking his first pro title at Gainesville while Capps is the defending titlist and has won at the track three times.
In Top Fuel, reigning world champion Antron Brown and DSR’s Matco Tools/U.S. Army team sits No. 2 heading to Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions with a time of 3.755 (319.07) with teammate Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team ranked fourth after being quickest in the first session.
“That’s what we’re looking for,” Brown said of his second run that greatly improved after the first session’s 4.74.
“We wanted to run good that first run, but it takes a run to get adjusted with the moisture and the air conditions out here. That last run felt good, the car felt really good and strong in power. It made a nice move off the starting line and had a good 60-foot time and just felt good all the way down.
“We’ll come back tomorrow and hit it strong. Whatever the track can handle we’ll keep throwing at it.”
TOP FUEL
Provisional No. 1 qualifier: Brittany Force (John Force Racing), 3.745 seconds, 309.26 mph
ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tool/U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 2
FRIDAY: 4.798 sec., 149.70 mph, (Session 1); 3.755, 319.07, (Session 2)
TONY SCHUMACHER, U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 4
FRIDAY: 3.771 sec., 307.30 mph, (Session 1); 3.760, 314.75, (Session 2)
SHAWN LANGDON, Sandvik Coromant/Red Fuel Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 14
FRIDAY: 5.634 sec., 123.18 mph, (Session 1); 8.134, 85.30, (Session 2)
FUNNY CAR
Provisional No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.913 mph, 323.74 mph (track records)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position No. 1
FRIDAY: 5.806 sec., 115.79 mph, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
RON CAPPS, NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 2
FRIDAY: 4.195 sec., 243.46 mph, (Session 1); 3.929, 319.37, (Session 2)
MATT HAGAN, Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 6
FRIDAY: 4.034 sec., 304.05 mph, (Session 1); 3.965, 321.12, (Session 2)
TOMMY JOHNSON JR., Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 10
FRIDAY: 4.074 sec., 305.29 mph, (Session 1); 4.209, 224.40, (Session 2)
ARTICLE
Right on the heels of Beckman’s 3.913 seconds at 323.74 mph pass is teammate Ron Capps and the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge with crew chief Rahn Tobler whose team holds the No. 2 provisional position after winning the pole two weeks ago near Phoenix and being second to Beckman at the opener at Pomona, Calif.
Heavy rain on Thursday followed by a dreary forecast was complicated after a couple on-track incidents during Sportsman competition led Friday’s second session beginning around 6 p.m. with a dry, tight track and temperatures in the mid-70s under a cloudy sky.
“It’s always tough when you show up to a race and the forecast is rain, rain, rain,” Beckman said. “It rained yesterday and it didn’t look good for today. Gainesville is the Winternationals (season-opener) of the East Coast and you want to race for the fans.
“We got the first run in and we smoked the tires. I was sure that was going to be our only run of the day. I was a little frustrated.
“To be able to get both sessions in for the fans, and to be able to run that good makes it a perfect day,” said Beckman, the 2012 Funny Car world champion who won a category and career best seven races a year ago.
Beckman is seeking his first pro title at Gainesville while Capps is the defending titlist and has won at the track three times.
In Top Fuel, reigning world champion Antron Brown and DSR’s Matco Tools/U.S. Army team sits No. 2 heading to Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions with a time of 3.755 (319.07) with teammate Tony Schumacher and the U.S. Army team ranked fourth after being quickest in the first session.
“That’s what we’re looking for,” Brown said of his second run that greatly improved after the first session’s 4.74.
“We wanted to run good that first run, but it takes a run to get adjusted with the moisture and the air conditions out here. That last run felt good, the car felt really good and strong in power. It made a nice move off the starting line and had a good 60-foot time and just felt good all the way down.
“We’ll come back tomorrow and hit it strong. Whatever the track can handle we’ll keep throwing at it.”
TOP FUEL
Provisional No. 1 qualifier: Brittany Force (John Force Racing), 3.745 seconds, 309.26 mph
ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tool/U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 2
FRIDAY: 4.798 sec., 149.70 mph, (Session 1); 3.755, 319.07, (Session 2)
TONY SCHUMACHER, U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 4
FRIDAY: 3.771 sec., 307.30 mph, (Session 1); 3.760, 314.75, (Session 2)
SHAWN LANGDON, Sandvik Coromant/Red Fuel Top Fuel Dragster
Provisional qualifying position: No. 14
FRIDAY: 5.634 sec., 123.18 mph, (Session 1); 8.134, 85.30, (Session 2)
FUNNY CAR
Provisional No. 1 qualifier: Jack Beckman (Don Schumacher Racing) 3.913 mph, 323.74 mph (track records)
JACK BECKMAN, Infinite Hero Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position No. 1
FRIDAY: 5.806 sec., 115.79 mph, (Session 1); 3.913, 323.74, (Session 2)
RON CAPPS, NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 2
FRIDAY: 4.195 sec., 243.46 mph, (Session 1); 3.929, 319.37, (Session 2)
MATT HAGAN, Mopar Express Lane/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 6
FRIDAY: 4.034 sec., 304.05 mph, (Session 1); 3.965, 321.12, (Session 2)
TOMMY JOHNSON JR., Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T
Provisional qualifying position: No. 10
FRIDAY: 4.074 sec., 305.29 mph, (Session 1); 4.209, 224.40, (Session 2)
ARTICLE
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
DSR: Jack Beckman looks for milestone 300th round win in Gators en route to getting Infinite Hero Dodge first Wally of the season
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
ARTICLE
“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
ARTICLE
Thursday, March 10, 2016
NHRA: Funny Car star Beckman looking for firsts at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Jack Beckman has not yet won during the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, though there’s hardly reason for concern through only two events, and has yet to record a victory at Gainesville Raceway in his standout Funny Car career.
With that in mind, the record-setting Beckman hopes to record a pair of firsts March 17-20 during the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
Beckman won a class-best seven events a year ago and he couldn’t think of a better time to pick up his next victory than at the circuit’s traditional East Coast opener at the controls of his 10,000-horsepower Infinite Hero Foundation Dodge Charger R/T.
“This is the East Coast version of the Winternationals and it’s always one of those races where the fans pack the grandstands,” Beckman said. “At Gainesville, they fill it up no matter what. But I’ve spent a lot of time on that dragstrip and never won. I would definitely like to get that monkey off my back this year.
“Not many races have more history than this one, and being the 50th anniversary of Funny Car this year, (NHRA) is doing a lot of special things across the country at the different events. At some point I know we’re going to get our first win and I would love for it to be at Gainesville.”
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including live finals coverage at 1 p.m. (ET). It marks the third of 24 races during the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Series season and Beckman hopes he finishes it with a championship.
Beckman, who won a Funny Car world title in 2012, finished second to Del Worsham a year ago, as Worsham’s red-hot performance in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship proved to be the difference.
But Beckman had plenty to remember in 2015, including a dominant regular season that included six victories, one of which came at the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Beckman also won the Traxxas Nitro Shootout on that memorable Indy weekend, and also powered to national elapsed time record runs four times, including setting the current mark of 3.884 seconds at the NHRA Finals in Pomona to close out the year.
Through two events this season, Beckman has suffered a pair of second-round losses, though he did qualify No. 1 at the Winternationals to open 2016. But it’s also a far better start than 2015, when he failed to qualify in Pomona and lost in the first round in Phoenix, giving Beckman plenty of reason to believe things will turn around quickly.
“I didn’t even win a round until Gainesville last year,” said Beckman, who has 22 career wins and 44 career final round appearances. “We never knew the year would turn out like it did but I figured we would be fine. We just have to continue to stay the course. We have a brilliant crew chief (Jimmy Prock) and I know we’ll be right back in it.”
But remaining patient and staying the course in a world where 3-second passes are the norm is never easy. Beckman, though, has managed to keep an even keel demeanor, even as the team enjoyed tremendous success in 2015. He only had to look back a season prior as to the reason why, as the team suffered through a number of frustrating performances and Beckman failed to qualify for the Countdown.
“Drag racing is a very unique sport and if it doesn’t teach you patience it will wear you out,” Beckman said. “I’ve always understood that about drag racing. It can be frustrating and rewarding. Last year we won more races than any other Funny Car and still lost 17 times. That kind of underscores the sport. Usually if you win 3-4 races, it’s a good season.”
Beckman had more than a good season a year ago, which means expectations are high for 2016, especially with the spotlight on the Funny Car class and NHRA’s celebration of the ultra-popular category’s 50th anniversary. Beckman truly enjoys the historical nod and hopes to cap off a big weekend in Gainesville with a win, even as the team is working in a new car and combination.
Standing in his way is a star-studded class, starting with defending world champion Worsham. Others to watch include Capps, who won in Pomona, Tim Wilkerson, who won the most recent event in Phoenix, Alexis DeJoria, Courtney Force, seven-time event winner John Force, Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon and Tommy Johnson Jr.
“Sometimes you make your own luck and we have to create our own,” Beckman said. “We went out and qualified No. 1 in Pomona but we’ve struggled on raceday. The new combination is not responding like we’re used to, but I’m confident we’ll get it turned around and get it zeroed in.”
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:45 and 4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 18 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 19, at 12 and 3:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 20.
To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
With that in mind, the record-setting Beckman hopes to record a pair of firsts March 17-20 during the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.
“This is the East Coast version of the Winternationals and it’s always one of those races where the fans pack the grandstands,” Beckman said. “At Gainesville, they fill it up no matter what. But I’ve spent a lot of time on that dragstrip and never won. I would definitely like to get that monkey off my back this year.
“Not many races have more history than this one, and being the 50th anniversary of Funny Car this year, (NHRA) is doing a lot of special things across the country at the different events. At some point I know we’re going to get our first win and I would love for it to be at Gainesville.”
Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including live finals coverage at 1 p.m. (ET). It marks the third of 24 races during the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Series season and Beckman hopes he finishes it with a championship.
Beckman, who won a Funny Car world title in 2012, finished second to Del Worsham a year ago, as Worsham’s red-hot performance in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship proved to be the difference.
But Beckman had plenty to remember in 2015, including a dominant regular season that included six victories, one of which came at the prestigious Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals. Beckman also won the Traxxas Nitro Shootout on that memorable Indy weekend, and also powered to national elapsed time record runs four times, including setting the current mark of 3.884 seconds at the NHRA Finals in Pomona to close out the year.
Through two events this season, Beckman has suffered a pair of second-round losses, though he did qualify No. 1 at the Winternationals to open 2016. But it’s also a far better start than 2015, when he failed to qualify in Pomona and lost in the first round in Phoenix, giving Beckman plenty of reason to believe things will turn around quickly.
“I didn’t even win a round until Gainesville last year,” said Beckman, who has 22 career wins and 44 career final round appearances. “We never knew the year would turn out like it did but I figured we would be fine. We just have to continue to stay the course. We have a brilliant crew chief (Jimmy Prock) and I know we’ll be right back in it.”
But remaining patient and staying the course in a world where 3-second passes are the norm is never easy. Beckman, though, has managed to keep an even keel demeanor, even as the team enjoyed tremendous success in 2015. He only had to look back a season prior as to the reason why, as the team suffered through a number of frustrating performances and Beckman failed to qualify for the Countdown.
“Drag racing is a very unique sport and if it doesn’t teach you patience it will wear you out,” Beckman said. “I’ve always understood that about drag racing. It can be frustrating and rewarding. Last year we won more races than any other Funny Car and still lost 17 times. That kind of underscores the sport. Usually if you win 3-4 races, it’s a good season.”
Beckman had more than a good season a year ago, which means expectations are high for 2016, especially with the spotlight on the Funny Car class and NHRA’s celebration of the ultra-popular category’s 50th anniversary. Beckman truly enjoys the historical nod and hopes to cap off a big weekend in Gainesville with a win, even as the team is working in a new car and combination.
Standing in his way is a star-studded class, starting with defending world champion Worsham. Others to watch include Capps, who won in Pomona, Tim Wilkerson, who won the most recent event in Phoenix, Alexis DeJoria, Courtney Force, seven-time event winner John Force, Robert Hight, Cruz Pedregon and Tommy Johnson Jr.
“Sometimes you make your own luck and we have to create our own,” Beckman said. “We went out and qualified No. 1 in Pomona but we’ve struggled on raceday. The new combination is not responding like we’re used to, but I’m confident we’ll get it turned around and get it zeroed in.”
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:45 and 4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 18 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 19, at 12 and 3:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 20.
To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
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