The 2011 Western Swing Wraps Up In Seattle
The 2011 Western Swing Wraps Up In Seattle
It was a great weekend in Seattle at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals! The weather was perfect, the crowd was great, and three great drivers got Wally’s. The Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, even flew both the American and Canadian flags out of respect for the fans from both countries who were at the races.
The weekend was particularly special for Gary Beck, who was the featured legend at his hometown track. Gary has won 2 Top Fuel Championships in his great career. Tension was high as the countdown was on for the playoffs. The battle was definitely in full swing!
Tim Wilkerson took the Funny Car win for the third consecutive year in Seattle. Congratulations Tim! Unfortunately, this was Tim’s first win since the race in Seattle last year.
Del Worsham took the title in Top Fuel once again. That’s his sixth win this year, his first year in the Alinabi Top Fuel Car, and his most wins in a season ever. Lookin’ good Del!
Jason Line took the Pro Stock win for the second time in a row against fellow Summit Racing teammate Greg Anderson.
Records were made this weekend and a few spots were clinched in for the countdown.
Tony Schumacher still remains winless this year but did, however, get a record as the only racer to come in second in each race on the Western Swing.
Tony Pedregon accomplished his 500th career round win in Seattle this year. However, he is still in the fight to secure his countdown position. Tony has been in the top ten since 1996, so if he doesn’t qualify, this will be the first time in 15 years.
Robert Hight had a rough start to the weekend, with a flat tire that forced him to race a new car. It was “like wearing a new pair of shoes,” according to Robert, who still managed to make it to the semi-finals.
In Top Fuel, I think it is safe to say that Del Worsham, Spencer Massey, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, and Larry Dixon are secure in the countdown. However, points are close between the drivers, so it will be exciting to see how everything pans out.
It is also a close one for the countdown in Funny Car. Mike Neff, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, and Cruz Pedregon are definitely safe, but the fight is on for everyone else, as points are close for the final six positions.
This year, it looks like the race is on. Bring on the Brainerd Lucas Oil Nationals on August 18th!
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