BROWNSBURG, Ind. – Jack Beckman won the Traxxas Nitro Shootout on Sunday, beating Robert Hight in the final of the Funny Car bonus event at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals.
Beckman had a 4.051-second run at 309.06 mph in his Dodge Charger R/T to take the $100,000 top prize. He aslo won the event at Lucas Oil Raceway in 2007. John Force is the only driver to win twice.
"I think we have shown everyone how good we are when conditions are favorable," Beckman said. "We've been spectacular in hot conditions, too, but we haven't had that many runs in it over the last month and a half. I think we just reinforced that this Infinite Hero team has it no matter how hot the track is."
Beckman also earned the No. 1 qualifying position for the final eliminations Monday in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series finale. The points leader had a track-record run of 3.936 at 323.74 on Friday.
Beckman has five event victories this season and has set class records for the fastest pass in each of the last three events — powering to a 3.921-second run last month in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Larry Dixon led Top Fuel qualifying, Greg Anderson topped the Pro Stock field, and Chip Ellis was the fastest in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Dixon ran a 3.744 at 326.00, Anderson had a 6.562 at 210.70 in a Chevy Camaro, and Ellis powered to a 6.855 at 195.73 on a Buell.
The top 10 in each division after the event will qualify for the six-race Countdown to the Championship.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.