Tim Wilkerson finds it ironic that his long-shot odds streak that nearly netted a world
Wilkerson's magic run for the 2008 title began at the first Vegas event.
championship last year started in Las Vegas during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals.
In the midst of a tough season, Wilkerson could use a bit of that Vegas
magic to get on the same track that made him a contender for the title
in 2009 right up until the final race of the season.
In 2008, Wilkerson arrived at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
(LVMS) still dealing with a losing streak that stretched back nearly
four years. He hadn't won a race since Sonoma in 2004, but his LRS
Funny Car was running well while showing signs of serious life, and
after qualifying in the No. 2 spot at The Strip, he reeled off big wins
over Jim Head, Tony Pedregon, and Ron Capps before meeting up with
Ashley Force in the final; a pairing which left his daughter Rachel
torn between rooting for her father or her "other favorite" driver.
4.962 seconds later, Wilkerson had his first win of '08, and a new
streak was born. It was one that took him to the doorstep of the NHRA
Funny Car Championship.