The NHRA’s nitro spec testing opened on Monday afternoon at Bristol. The test(s) are data gathering efforts which may “slow the nitro cars” a bit and facilitate a return to quarter-mile racing.

It was previously reported that Tim Wilkerson would drive the test car, however it was  Tim's son, Daniel, who made the first lap. The second generation Wilkerson earned his nitro license last season and in his debut race drove to a runner-up finish at the IHRA Motor City Nationals in Milan, Mi.

The NHRA’s nitro spec testing opened on Monday afternoon at Bristol. The test(s) are data gathering efforts which may “slow the nitro cars” a bit and facilitate a return to quarter-mile racing.

It was previously reported that Tim Wilkerson would drive the test car, however it as Tim's son, Daniel, who made the first lap. The second generation Wilkerson earned his nitro license last season and in his debut race drove to a runner-up finish at the IHRA Motor City Nationals in Milan, Mi.

Testing hit a snag early on, as the throttle stop came off of the engine during the burnout, causing the engine to zing, drop cylinders and subsequently oil the racing surface.

On the second run, the car ran to the 330 foot mark before striking the tires.

A source said the NHRA was initially pleased with the results of the second run in this configuration and that a third run would be made. 

NHRA's Glenn Gray told CompetitionPlus.com in a recent interview that this is the first of many scheduled tests with different configurations. 

Advertisement