Since the nitro racers cannot test at NHRA national event tracks and the IHRA will not welcome them, the next logical choice is during national events.

That's what Wilkerson will likely do during this weekend's NHRA Fram-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Ca..

Wilkerson heads into the weekend operating from a position a position of power by leading the Funny car points, something he has never enjoyed in his long and distinguished career. 

Since the nitro racers cannot test at NHRA national event tracks and the IHRA will not welcome them, the next logical choice is during national events.

That's what Wilkerson will likely do during this weekend's NHRA Fram-Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Ca..

Wilkerson heads into the weekend operating from a position a position of power by leading the Funny car points, something he has never enjoyed in his long and distinguished career. 

Wilkerson won in Denver, which was the first leg of the three race trek and he would like to wrap up the grueling triad with another winner circle appearance, but he’s not going to Infineon to find peace and tranquility.  In typical crew-chief attitude, Wilkerson is focused on improving his performance as he prepares his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Impala SS for impending battle.

Wilkerson knows that no matter what happens he will leave Sonoma still holding the top spot in points.  So he’s looking to do some testing this weekend, and he also knows that the outcome may not be pretty.

“We’re looking to try to make our car run better,” explained Wilkerson.  “Since we’ve secured a spot in the countdown and we have a little leeway in the points battle, we’re going to do some testing.  Since, there’s a ban on testing outside the races, we’re going to have to use our laps this weekend.

“We have some new clutch parts that we think we’re going to try.  So, you may see some tire smoke out of us and it may get worse before it gets better.  But we’ve got a big weekend coming up in Indy and then we’re going to be working towards a Top 10 finish for the end of the season.  So, we want to ready for what’s ahead of us and if means sacrificing a few runs this weekend, so be it.  Just as long as we learn something and it helps make us better.”