BECKMAN QUALIFIES SECOND FOR FAMED TIRE KINGDOM GATORNATIONALS

Fast Jack Beckman, in his Valvoline/Aaron’s Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car, swiped the second starting position here today following final qualifying for the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Beckman, on the strength of a 4.051-second pass at 308.71 miles per hour from Friday, fell in behind his Don Schumacher Racing teammate, Matt Hagan, in the final line up.

The 44-year-old California native and resident will confront 15th-place qualifier, Brian Thiel, in the first round of final eliminations on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

In addition to the qualifying run, the Rahn Tobler-tuned car turned laps of 4.057/310.77, 4.101/310.70 and 4.134/303.78.

“We were very consistent throughout qualifying which gives us optimism heading into race day,” said Beckman. “After going out in the first round out in Pomona a couple of weeks ago, we really need to go rounds here in Gainesville.

“Obviously, the objective is to get the win.”

After posting his fourth straight top-five finish in the NHRA Full Throttle Funny Car points in 2010, Beckman is poised to make a charge to claim his first world championship.

“We have everything we need to accomplish that goal,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll take a big step forward here tomorrow.”