Denver, pre-race: The 25th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the first of three stops on the famous, yet grueling western swing of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series tour. Springfield, Ill. Funny Car pilot, Tim Wilkerson is prepared for the demands that the next three weeks will bring, not only mechanically but also personally.

Set in the Rocky Mountains, Bandimere Speedway’s 5,860-foot elevation creates an environment of thin air that makes it difficult for both people and racecars to breath. The high altitude doesn’t seem to affect Wilkerson or his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevy Monte Carlo's performance. He has qualified every time he has raced on the mountain. In both 2003 and 1999, Wilkerson had the honor of being the No. 1 qualifier, and in 2002, he qualified fifth.

Wilkerson has anticipated what his team will need to have his fuel coupe at it's best for the upcoming races, and has been busy getting everything ready.

"We're going to be on the road for several weeks," explained Wilkerson, "so we need to have everything with us that we may possible need and want. We took several sets of heads, extra motors, and a whole pile of our junk. We're so far from home that we can't stop at the shop to pick up anything we might need, like when we're on some of the other back-to-back trips. We're also getting prepared for the new tire and I've been thinking a lot about the new 85% rule that's going to take affect in Seattle."

Wilkerson is also ready for the demands that the mountain will put on him physically and mentally. First of all, he has been riding his bike to and from work when he is home in Springfield.

"Driving a Funny Car sort of takes your breath away," said Wilkerson, "but at Bandimere where there isn't much air to begin with, it really knocks the wind out of you. So I try to ride my bike as much as possible to help me be in good physical condition."

Secondly, Wilkerson should be well rested and relaxed as he pulls into the racetrack on Thursday. He will spend the week before the race on vacation with his family.

"We spent the first two days fishing on the Illinois River outside of Springfield," explained Wilkerson. "Then we packed up the motorhome and headed for Denver. We're going to stop along the way in the Black Hills and Yellowstone. We're going to take our time and enjoy the beautiful country. I really needed to get away from everything at home and we needed to spend some alone time as a family. We're all looking forward to a great time."

So as Wilkerson pulls into Bandimere Speedway to begin the first of the triad of back-to-back races, rest assured that every element of the Levi, Ray & Shoup team is ready to do battle and emerge as a victor.

Back to 2004 Press Releases