NHRA News: Wilkerson tunes up the next generation (9/14/2004)

Wilkerson tunes up the next generation

By Rob Geiger, NHRA.com
9/14/2004

Tim Wilkerson and crewman Tom Meyer prepare Daniel Wilkerson for a run down Mid-State Dragway.
Racers Edge Photography

Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson spent his off weekend at Mid-State Dragway in Havana, Ill., watching his 16-year-old son Daniel get some seat time in the family's Bantam Altered hot rod. Tim was helping Daniel hone his driving skills in anticipation of an NHRA debut later this month at the fourth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.

Daniel managed to win three rounds in the Jeg's SuperQuick Series event. This time he bracket raced his big block Chevy against several other cars in the Super Pro class. When he races at NHRA events he'll compete in Super Comp.

Daniel launches under dad's watchful eye.
Racers Edge Photography

"I really enjoyed myself," Tim said. "Daniel's a good driver. He pays attention for the most part and he usually does what I tell him to do, at least as much as any 16-year-old will listen to his dad. I leave him and [his 14-year-old brother] Kevin alone for the most part. They know what they're doing.

"We got him a license for his birthday back in April and right away, I think it was his fifth pass in the car, he went nine-flat at 145 mph so that told me he could handle it. He's been running Jr. Dragsters since he was 13 so he had a feel for what it's all about, although this past weekend's race was probably the most major deal he's been to so far."

An approved NHRA member track, Mid-State Dragway is an eighth-mile facility owned by Ritch and Jackyln Gebhardt.

ESPN reporter Bob Frey interviewed Tim and Dan
for an upcoming episode of NHRA2Day.
Racers Edge Photography

"I don't know if it was because people knew who I was or what, but the folks at that track, from the workers to the other racers, could not have been nicer to Dan and I," Tim said. "It was a real treat to be there and everyone being so sweet to us made it all the more special."

In addition to Chicago, Daniel is slated to participate in the fourth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in late October.

2004 News Archive
Return to the Home Page