NHRA Driver » Jack Beckman

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Jack Beckman

Date of birth:
June 28, 1966
Hometown:
Norco, Calif.
Sponsor/Car:
Valvoline Dodge Charger
Crew Chief:
Todd Smith

Career Wins: 17
FC: 15 Sports: 2
Career Final Rounds: 35
FC: 31 Sports: 4
Career Best E.T.:
3.986
Career Best Speed:
320.58

2012: Raced to his first career NHRA Funny Car world championship after eight seasons of racing; tied a career best with three wins in a single season; set both ends of the national record at Reading 3.986 sec. and 320.58 mph; was the No. 1 qualifier at four events
2011: Raced to wins at Charlotte 1, Atlanta and Phoenix; finished a career-high second in the points standings; posted a national record for speed at 318.99 mph
2010: Raced to a win in Phoenix and five final-round appearances for the season; Posted a top-five finish for the fourth consecutive season
2009: Won two of five final-round appearances; Posted a top-five finish in the point standings
2008: Won three of seven final-round appearances; Remained in contention for the world championship title until the final race of the year; Went to four consecutive final rounds in the late summer months (Brainerd, Reading, Indianapolis, Charlotte) and won two of them (Reading, Charlotte)
2007: Advanced to Countdown to 4 and was one round win away from qualifying for Countdown to 1; Won U.S. Smokeless Showdown at Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
2006: Took over in the Matco Tools Dodge after Indy and raced to his first career win at Las Vegas 2; Set both ends of the Funny Car national record at Pomona 2 (with the E.T. mark of 4.662 seconds and speed of 333.66 mph); Qualified for all five events entered and is perfect 17-for-17 for his career
2006: Switched to Funny Car at Dallas event; Won Las Vegas 2 event in just his fourth Funny Car start.
2005: Earned Top Fuel license; Made professional debut in Las Vegas; Raced to semifinal finish at Englishtown; Qualified for all 12 events entered and a season-high eighth at two events; Qualified 16th for the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals; Nominated for Auto Club Road to the Future Award recognizing NHRA’s top rookie
2004: NHRA Division 7 Person of the Year; Won Super Comp at Division 7 Lucas Oil Series event at Infineon Raceway
2003: Won NHRA National Championship in Super Comp, taking over the points lead at the final event of the season.
2003: Won Super Comp title at Division 7 Lucas Oil Series divisional events in Sacramento and Las Vegas; Won Super Comp at the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.
1992: Appeared in first NHRA national event final with a runner-up finish at the Fram Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif.

Married: Jenna
Son: Jason Russell (3/8/2007) ; daughter: Layla May (7/12/11)
Hobbies: Surfing, working out, riding motorcycle
Serves as an instructor/consultant at Frank Hawley's NHRA Drag Racing School and has taught over 7,000 students since 1998
Former sergeant in U.S. Air Force
Cancer survivor
Licensed in 12 different NHRA categories
Won Super Comp national championship in Lucas Oil Series and the Division 7 Super Comp championship

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