During the second qualifying session at the Menards NHRA Nationals Presented By PetArmor in Topeka, Kan., Tim Wilkerson’s Funny Car crossed the center line and contacted Cruz Pedregon’s car. The two made contact with the wall before both coming to a stop. Both drivers exited their vehicles under their own power.

Wilkerson was remorseful about the incident.

“I feel awful for Cruz; especially he’s an innocent victim of all this lousy driving of mine,” Wilkerson lamented. 

According to Wilkerson, his engine lost multiple cylinders making the LRS-sponsored Mustang a handful to drive. 

“I lift off the throttle and I just got the wheel turned as hard as I can and the stupid thing just keeps plowing right,” Wilkerson explained. “I was turning as hard as I could, hoping Cruz wasn’t there. Well, then he ended up in front of me and his parachutes get caught up in my car, and I couldn’t steer it and just having a terrible time.”

Pedregon was unavailable for comment after the incident. 

“I’ll try to make it up to him somehow,” Wilkerson said. “I don’t know how, but I’m just thoroughly disgusted with myself and did the best I could, but I couldn’t get it to turn. So, I don’t know. Disgusting that tore up a car and tore up another body and guys at Ford, they’re going to have to help me out a little bit I hope.”