Beckman uses 'big bang' theory to charge up Schumacher team to go for Phoenix '3-peat'

Jack Beckman weathered a wild ride Sunday at the NHRA Winternationals in Southern California when his Valvoline NextGen Dodger Charger R/T Funny car abruptly veered into the next lane at close to 300 mph.

After that nerve-racking run, it would seem he and his team could have used some quiet time on Monday before they head to Phoenix for this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals.

With the Valvoline NextGen crew spending the day in Beckman's haunts near his home in Norco, Calif., the popular driver played host and decided a fun way to forget about the high-speed close call would be, of course, to head to an explosion.

"It was really cool," he said of the planned detonation at a rock quarry. "And it was free."

But what was priceless for Beckman was hanging out with his crew that is based in Brownsburg, Ind. It was a rare chance for them to just be buddies - and enjoy a controlled explosion - without racing to get the Funny Car ready for the next run or to race it down the track.

"It was nice because we were away from the racetrack and didn't have to think about racing," he said. "We were just some guys joking around and watching an explosion."

Beckman and his team will drive to Phoenix on Tuesday to begin preparing for the three-day event that begins with two qualifying sessions on Friday and another two Saturday to determine the field for Sunday's championship eliminations.

Beckman has never been to a dragstrip he didn't like, but the one at Firebird International Raceway certainly is one he loves.

The Valvoline NextGen team has won the last two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events there even though they were held at different times of the year.

Last year, Beckman won for the 12th time in his pro career when the race was held in mid-October. The year before and in 2008, he won when the NHRA event was held in late February.

"Yeah, I guess you could say I like racing in Phoenix," he said of where he has won one-fourth of his NHRA titles.

While Beckman's Don Schumacher Racing team will be the same, the Dodge Charger R/T carbon fiber body will be featuring sponsorship from Schumacher Electric, a worldwide company owned by Don Schumacher.

"Nah, there's no pressure driving a car sponsored by the man who owns that company and the one you race for," Beckman joked. "But seriously, it really will be an honor to get inside the Schumacher Electric car."

Beckman and crew chief Rahn Tobler still aren't certain what caused their Funny Car to make an abrupt right turn in front of veteran Gary Densham in Sunday's second round of eliminations. Beckman was disqualified for crossing the center line, but fortunately he was well ahead of Densham, who crossed the finish line on Beckman's bumper.

Beckman's crew, instead of loading up their car, headed for Denham's pit area to help repair some frontend damage incurred when Beckman crossed in front of him.

"I asked Gary if there was anything I could do to help and said to stay as far away as possible from him," Beckman joked about his longtime friend.

"The only thing we can figure is that some fluid got on one of the rear tires," Beckman said. "No human could have turned the steering wheel so quickly to make that move."

No human, not even the explosive "Fast Jack" Beckman, has reflexes that good.

Tobler tunes Beckman to career-best elapsed time, Valvoline NextGen team is primed for NHRA opener

 

(Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

Jack Beckman earned his nickname "Fast Jack" several years before he set the NHRA Funny Car speed record last year.

His moniker could be changed to "Fast and Quick Jack" after he posted the quickest elapsed time of his career three weeks ago in testing when his Valvoline NextGen Dodge Charger R/T tuned by crew chief Rahn Tobler completed a lap in 4.037 seconds at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla.

"I still like 'Fast Jack.' It just sounds better," said Beckman, a Southern California native living in Norco, Calif. "It was nice to run that quick. Now we have to do it when it counts, and I know we can."

Beckman, 45, knows testing milestones don't count officially in the record book.

It would be more meaningful to him if he and his Valvoline NextGen team can match that quick time this week when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season opens Thursday with the Winternationals at Pomona, Calif.

"Fast Jack" already is in the book for a run more appropriately attached to his nickname. He became the NHRA record-holder for speed when he completed a run last September at 318.99 mph at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Records are nice accomplishments but what Beckman and the Valvoline NextGen want most is to win races with their Dodge.

"We came close to winning the championship last year, but Matt had a little better year," Beckman said of Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan.

"I know everyone says this but there really are so many good teams and drivers out here that you just can't afford to have the slightest slipup.

"And none are tougher than my teammates."

Beckman won three titles last year in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series and finished 72 points behind Hagan, who knocked Beckman out of the NHRA Finals last November in the second round.

At last year's Winternationals, Beckman lost in the first round to Ron Capps, another DSR teammate.

The Winternationals opens Thursday with one round of qualifying followed by a single session on Friday. The last two sessions are Saturday with championship eliminations set for Sunday.

Nitro Rewind Focuses on Countdown Contenders and Strategy

With the Western Swing in the rear view mirror teams are looking to secure their position in the Countdown or looking at strategies to enhance their NHRA championship chances. Coming out of Seattle and the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals and looking ahead to the 30th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd Minnesota, Nitro Rewind talks with winners and contenders. The show, an internet based broadcast, is hosted by Bill Stephens and features interviews from Top Fuel and Funny Car NHRA competitors, is available on the NHRA’s YouTube channel after every NHRA national event.

“The points chases are really tightening up in Top Fuel and Funny Car with only two races left before the Countdown. This episode gives you two different perspectives as the final two races approach,” said Ashley Force Hood, John Force Entertainment president.

“We were able to produce three Nitro Rewinds in a row throughout the Western Swing which is a huge accomplishment. I want to thank all the drivers who have participated so far. This is the eleventh episode and the response from drivers and fans has exceeded our expectations.”

Top Fuel driver Bob Vandergriff Jr talks about the pressure of battling for one of the last spots in the Top Ten while Funny Car’s Fast Jack Beckman examines how he will approach the final two races before the Countdown now that his Aaron’s Valvoline Funny Car has clinched his spot. Funny Car winner Tim Wilkerson won for the third year in a row in Seattle and his win could not have come at a better time he tells Nitro Rewind viewers.

Finally, Nitro Rewind cameras took a behind the scenes look at JFR chef Jonny Roscher and how he prepares champions caliber food every national event.

Every episode is posted on the NHRA YouTube channel the Thursday after each national event. This week’s episode can be found here: http://youtu.be/XOuxTQYUrsk

Fans can check out all the episodes of Nitro Rewind by going to www.youtube.com and searching Nitro Rewind or they can go directly to the NHRA YouTube channel.