There will be a Wilkerson driving the SCAG Power Equipment-sponsored Funny Car in 2024; it just won’t be Tim Wilkerson. Second-generation drag racer Daniel Wilkerson will be taking over the driving duties of the Ford Mustang Funny Car, while Tim will take over the tuning roles for his son’s entry.
Daniel has some big shoes to fill as his father’s 27-year career included a resume of 24 wins, 20 No. 1 qualifiers, and 16 NHRA top ten point finishes, including a best second in 2005.
“Putting Daniel in the seat is quite simply the right move for this team and for me,” Tim said. “I love to drive; it’s why I’ve done it so long, and I’ll miss it, but I’m more excited for Daniel to get this opportunity. We’ve both wanted this for a long time, and SCAG has made it possible. “Daniel is a great fit for the program. He’s one of the few drivers I’ve put in the seat that can tell me what happened on the run in detail, that’s important. And he’ll be a great ambassador for SCAG and our partners. That’s what’s really important moving forward.”
Daniel is no newcomer to the driving world as he raced part-time from 2009 until 2022 but transitioned into the role of tuner for Chad Green, fifth best in last season’s NHRA Funny Car points with a win in three final round finishes. Green was also a No. 1 qualifier once.
“I enjoy working on the cars; I’ve enjoyed being a crew chief; I probably could have done it forever. But the dream was always to drive for my dad,” said Daniel. “It was kind of like when Chad and Tim lined up in the finals at Pomona, going head-to-head for a race win. We always talked about it, but we were never certain it would happen. SCAG has created an opportunity for us that has been 15 years in the making. I got my license in 2007; we’ve been trying to put this together one way or another since then. We finally got it done. I’m living the dream.”
Daniel only has 14 races to his credit and never more than four in a single season, so doing a full pull on a season will be a jolt to the system. He’ll also be eligible for the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year Award, which includes Top Fuel racer Tony Stewart, among others.
“I had it in the back of my mind. I knew what the limit was to stay eligible,” Daniel said. “What a year to be in the running, too. It’s a strong class, and I’m excited to be a part of it; I’ll be even more excited when I say we won it.”
Daniel will make his debut in the SCAG Wilkerson Racing Ford Mustang Funny Car at the SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park February 8-10 before beginning his full season campaign in the 21-race Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series.
