Beckman Drives Mopar® HEMI®-Powered Dodge Charger to Victory in Phoenix
In a rain-delayed Monday race at the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, “Fast” Jack Beckman collected his ninth NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series national-event win in his 18th career final round, by outpacing 14-time champion John Force in the final round at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz.
Driving the Mopar®-powered Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car, honoring the U.S. Troops overseas with its “To Afghanistan With Love” theme, Beckman produced a stellar run of 4.121 seconds at 301.13 mph to defeat Force’s tire-smoking 6.316/106.24, earning his first win of the 2010 season and his second at the venue (2008).
“This victory was special for a couple of reasons,” said Beckman. “We overcame a lot of adversity this weekend; we weathered the storm and beat John Force in the final.”
Beckman is now second in the NHRA Funny Car point standings, with Don Schumacher Racing teammates Ron Capps and Matt Hagan listed at third and fifth, respectively. Next up is the 41st annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 13–15, 2010.