There comes a point and time when a racer must abandon innovation for the proven. Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson had reached that point when it came to chasing a set-up for his new 2009 three-rail chassis, before Gainesville.

Three good qualifying laps, two good elimination rounds, and a competitive race car all added up to a positive step forward, and Wilkerson now looks ahead with a slightly improved outlook. There comes a point and time when a racer must abandon innovation for the proven. Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson had reached that point when it came to chasing a set-up for his new 2009 three-rail chassis, before Gainesville.

Three good qualifying laps, two good elimination rounds, and a competitive race car all added up to a positive step forward, and Wilkerson now looks ahead with a slightly improved outlook.

"We weren't going to keep banging our heads against a brick wall chasing this new three-rail chassis much longer, if we weren't starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. But, this was a good weekend and it makes us all feel a little bit better.  It wasn't a great weekend, but it was good and we got better as we went.  Our three quickest laps were the last three we made, so we're gaining on this thing, and now the car is cooperating and doing what we ask it to do, so we're in good shape.  We're not quick enough, yet, but we'll get there."

Even with the round win, Wilkerson slipped a spot in the early-season standings when John Force and Tony Pedregon both advanced beyond the second round and moved around him. 

Wilkerson leaves Gainesville in 12th, with his 3-2 record.