Dan Wilkerson

The last time Dan Wilkerson drove his Summit Racing-sponsored Funny Car was on the NHRA’s most historic stage—the 2011 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, IN.

He stunned the class and the huge Indy crowd with a 4.090-second pass in qualifying, making him the highest-qualified Ford driver in the field. On race day, Wilkerson defeated Johnny Gray in the first round, cementing his place in the Countdown to One.

The son of Tim Wilkerson, Dan has been working full time at an accounting and tax preparation firm in Springfield, IL, getting engaged to his fiancée, and waiting impatiently to get back on the track.

The younger Wilkerson and his team will make their 2012 debut at the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals in Commerce, GA. This will be his seventh race as a pro, and if he makes the 16-car field at Atlanta Dragway, he will be a perfect seven for seven in his qualifying efforts.

“I wish I could race full-time, but I realize that I’m about the luckiest guy on Earth the way it is, with Summit Racing Equipment giving me the chance to do this,” Dan Wilkerson said. “I can’t wait to mash the pedal on Friday.”

Neither can we, Dan. Go get ‘em.

Weekend Events to keep on your radar:

2012 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals – Atlanta Dragway, Commerce, GA, May 4-6

ADRL Northeast Drags – Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, PA, May 4-5

Tallmadge, OH

Summit Racing Scratch & Dent Sale – Retail Super Store, May 4-6, 9 am-9 pm

Sparks, NV

Friday Night Cruise 2012: First Cruise – Retail Store, May 4, 6 pm-9 pm

McDonough, GA

Monday Night Cruise 2012: Chevy – Retail Super Store, May 7, 6 pm-8 pm