Tim Wilkerson is hopeful that it will be a good year for his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Impala SS.
Wilkerson ended last season on a strong surge, earning a couple of No.
1 qualifying spots, numerous round wins, and several awards given for
outstanding performance. Wilk and his talented team showed that they
had his fuel coupe in top shape and a force to be reckoned with. But
it’s a new year with new rules and requirements, and Wilkerson knows
that things change quickly in his split-second world. However, he is
anxiously anticipating the new season with optimistic enthusiasm.
“I’m hoping we can start the new season, the way we left off last year,
winning a few rounds of racing,” said Wilkerson. “We had a good chance
to win that last race in Pomona last fall, but just came up one round
short. So, we’re optimistic for this year. We’ve got a new guy on the
team, so the first thing we’re going to do is get him settled in where
the car is consistent again.”
One of the rules changes for the fuel cars for 2008 is a return to
allowing them to run 90-percent nitromethane. Several years ago when
the teams ran 90 percent, Wilkerson had a firm handle on his 7,000
horsepower machine, and he’s hoping that handle will return.