FUNNY CAR DRIVER JACK BECKMAN FOCUSED ON SEASON TURNAROUND AT SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS AT SUMMIT RACING MOTORSPORTS PARK

NORWALK, Ohio — Jack Beckman may be as calm and collected as any driver in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car ranks but even he is ready for this roller-coaster to end.

After seemingly getting his season on track following a final round appearance in Houston, Beckman has simply welcomed more frustration to the mix. Since that final Beckman has lost in the first round five of the last six races, including last weekend in Chicago.

Beckman has dropped to 11th in the points standings in the process and if the 2012 Funny Car world champion wants to secure a berth in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship he knows something has to change. As for when, Beckman hopes it is this weekend at the eighth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk.

“We’re just running out of time,” Beckman said. “You don’t know if every round is important but we know we can’t afford to keep losing early on Sunday. We’ll be out of the top 10 for two races in a row when we get to Norwalk and it is going to get harder to catch the cars ahead of us as they start solidifying their spots for the Countdown. We’re putting our backs to the wall and we’re getting to the position where we have to win two or three events to jump back into this thing.”

Khalid alBalooshi (Top Fuel), Johnny Gray (Funny Car), Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised on ESPN2. It is the 13th of 24 races during the 2014 season and while it might not be an absolute must-win situation for Beckman and his 10,000-horsepower Valvoline Max Life/MTS Dodge Charger, he knows a good showing is necessary.

The Don Schumacher Racing car underwent changes before last week’s event in Chicago as well, as DSR owner Don Schumacher hired Chris Cunningham, the former crew chief for Bob Tasca, to serve as the assistant crew chief to Rob Flynn on Beckman’s car.

Beckman qualified seventh at Route 66 Raceway, but lost to eventual winner Matt Hagan, giving Beckman three straight first-round losses. The addition could prove beneficial in the long and Beckman is hopeful more consistent performances are in the team’s future.

“Don shook it up and in the long run it will be a good call to get some different chemistry going to see if we can get this car more predictable,” Beckman said. “We don’t want to sneak in (to the Countdown). We want to be solidly in the middle of the pack. It’s tough for our crew. You can’t hang your head but after a few first-round losses you have to shake that off and get back up on it. That’s a difficult position.”

Beckman, who has 15 career victories, knows the potential is there but the inconsistencies have been difficult to swallow. It’s been made even more painful thanks to a talented Funny Car field, pushing Beckman to 11th in points, 22 behind 10th-place Tim Wilkerson.

Points leader Robert Hight, who has never won at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, is the chief concern for every driver in the class and is seeking a fifth win in 2014. But Beckman will also have to contend with previous Norwalk winners Tony Pedregon and Wilkerson, as well as Cruz Pedregon, reigning world champion John Force, Courtney Force, Del Worsham Ron Capps and Tommy Johnson Jr.

Still, Beckman, who won at Norwalk in 2009, is more concerned with doing whatever he can to make his Charger a viable championship contender as quickly as possible.

“Losing early always is difficult but if you’re leading the points you can frame it in the proper perspective,” Beckman said. “When you’re 11th and trying to get into the Countdown it’s a harder punch to the gut. I just know letting it affect our attitude won’t help us do any better. That being said win lights make a big difference. Everybody is doing things the way they need to be doing it’s just not translating to the on-track performance we need.”

Khalid alBalooshi defeated Doug Kalitta in the final a year ago and started 2014 with a victory. Kalitta has been red-hot since then, advancing to six final rounds and taking over the points lead. Other top challengers in the ultra-competitive class include Spencer Massey, Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, who won last weekend in Chicago, reigning world champion Shawn Langdon, reigning Auto Club of Southern California Road the Future Award winner Brittany Force, Richie Crampton, J.R. Todd and Steve Torrence.

Greg Anderson is tied for the winningest Pro Stock driver in the history of Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park and will be looking for his third win. Vincent Nobile, who won last weekend in Chicago, also has two victories at Norwalk but everyone is chasing points leader Erica Enders-Stevens, who has three victories in 2014. Reigning world champ Jeg Coughlin, Allen Johnson, Shane Gray, Dave Connolly, Jason Line and Chris McGaha are also drivers who will be challenging for the win in the 200-mph factory hot rod class.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith is the defending race winner and the reigning champion but he is still looking for his first 2014 victory. Andrew Hines’ two victories has given him the category points lead and teammate Eddie Krawiec has one victory and is second in points. Smith’s wife Angie, who won her first career event this year, Scotty Pollacheck, Michael Ray, John Hall and Hector Arana Jr., who is the most recent event winner, will all compete for the 2014 Norwalk Wally in the two-wheel category.

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and enjoy some cherished face time and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, July 4, with sessions at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, July 5, at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 6.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park at (419) 668-5555 or visit www.summitmotorsportspark.com. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

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SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS

WHAT: Eighth annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, the 13th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in four categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle – earn points leading to 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio. The track is located at 1300 State Route 18, half way between Cleveland and Toledo; just an hour and a half north of Columbus. The Ohio Turnpike is less than 10 minutes away.

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, July 3-6.

SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, July 3 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, July 4 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 4 and 6:30 p.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, July 5 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES qualifying at 4 p.m.; First round of eliminations at 6:30 p.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, July 6 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Saturday, July 5, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 11 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, July 6, ESPN2 will televise three hours of elimination coverage starting at 9 p.m. (ET).

SATELLITE: (Digital HD feed)

Friday, July 4, 10 – 10:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 01C

Saturday, July 5, 10:30 – 11 p.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 01C

Sunday, July 6, 7 – 7:30 p.m. (ET), AMC 1 / Transponder 01C

(3720 MHz, horizontal; Data Rate: 40.46147055 Mbp; Symbol Rate: 29.27 Ms; FEC: ¾; Bandwidth: 36 Mhz)

Video news release contains race action highlights each day and winners’ interviews on Sunday.

2013 EVENT WINNERS: Khalid alBalooshi, Top Fuel; Johnny Gray, Funny Car; Mike Edwards, Pro Stock; Matt Smith, Pro Stock Motorcycle.

MOST VICTORIES: Andrew Hines, 3, PSM; Larry Dixon, 2, TF; Mike Neff, 2, FC; Greg Anderson, 2, PS; Vincent Nobile, 2, PS; Matt Smith, 2, PSM.

TRACK RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.752 seconds by Shawn Langdon, July ’13; 327.74 mph by Doug Kalitta, July ’13.

Funny Car – 4.021 seconds by John Force, July ’13; 319.67 mph by Courtney Force, July ’13.

Pro Stock – 6.583 seconds by Ron Krisher, June ’11; 209.92 mph by Mike Edwards, July ’13.

PS Motorcycle – 6.887 seconds by Hector Arana Jr., June ’11; 194.77 mph by Michael Ray, July ’13.

NATIONAL RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.701 sec. by Antron Brown, Oct. ‘12, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.

Funny Car – 3.965 sec. by John Force, Feb. ’14, Pomona, Calif.; 324.12 mph by J. Force, Feb. ’14, Pomona, Calif.

Pro Stock – 6.4 sec. by Erica Enders-Stevens, May ‘14, Englishtown, N.J.; 215.55 mph by Enders-Stevens, May ‘14, Englishtown N.J.

PS Motorcycle – 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct. ’12, Reading, Pa.; 199.26 mph by Eddie Krawiec, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.

TICKETS: For tickets, call (419) 668-5555 or purchase online at www.summitmotorsportspark.com.

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NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

GLENDORA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the 12th of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel: 1. Doug Kalitta, 1065; 2. Antron Brown, 963; 3. Shawn Langdon, 835; 4. Spencer Massey, 747; 5.Tony Schumacher, 711; 6. Steve Torrence, 688; 7. Brittany Force, 638; 8. Khalid alBalooshi, 620; 9. Richie Crampton, 600; 10. J.R. Todd, Indianapolis, 557

Funny Car: 1. Robert Hight, Yorba Linda, 1032; 2. Tommy Johnson Jr., 786; 3. John Force, 769; 4. Ron Capps, 748; 5. Alexis DeJoria, 747; 6. Courtney Force, 732; 7. Del Worsham, 684; 8. Matt Hagan, 681; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 651; 10. Tim Wilkerson, 603.

Pro Stock: 1. Erica Enders-Stevens, 1036; 2. Jeg Coughlin, 846; 3. Allen Johnson, 845; 4. Jason Line, 830; 5. Vincent Nobile, 785; 6. Dave Connolly, 782; 7. Shane Gray, 769; 8. V. Gaines, 552; 9. Chris McGaha, 525; 10. Jonathan Gray, 432.

Pro Stock Motorcycle: 1. Andrew Hines, 536; 2. Eddie Krawiec, 515; 3. Hector Arana Jr, 474; 4. John Hall, 371; 5. Matt Smith, 361; 6. Scotty Pollacheck, 341; 7. Hector Arana, 320; 8. Michael Ray, 302; 9. Angie Smith, 300; 10. Steve Johnson, 249.