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POMONA, Sunday: Tim Wilkerson’s day started on a high note, with his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Impala SS being the No. 1 qualifying car at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals. But that note went flat in a matter of seconds, as Wilkerson lost to his opponent, Gary Densham in the first-round of action with a 5.099 against Densham’s 4.862.
Wilkerson’s demise was due to a broken exhaust valve, the exact same problem he experienced on his Thursday qualifying run. It’s an unusual occurrence to begin with and to have it happen twice in one weekend is cause for concern.
“We had a valve break again,” explained Wilkerson, “just the same as on Thursday. We thought we had everything handled, so now we’re checking every part we have trying to figure out what’s going on. We have to get to the bottom of this. Once or twice a year is one thing, but twice in a weekend means something is wrong. Obviously, it’s not liking life right now. We’ve already gotten a hold of the valve manufacturer and the people that sell us the locks and retainers. So, hopefully we can get to the bottom of the problem.
“I’ve got some new stuff in my hand that we’re going to try at the next race in Phoenix and hope that it works out. As we’re talking I’m switching everything over. I know we’ll get this straightened out, and I’m still optimistic with the way the car is running, so things are still good.”
Again a broken valve ruins Wilkerson’s day
POMONA, Sunday: Tim Wilkerson’s day started on a high note, with his Levi, Ray & Shoup Chevrolet Impala SS being the No. 1 qualifying car at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals. But that note went flat in a matter of seconds, as Wilkerson lost to his opponent, Gary Densham in the first-round of action with a 5.099 against Densham’s 4.862.
Wilkerson’s demise was due to a broken exhaust valve, the exact same problem he experienced on his Thursday qualifying run. It’s an unusual occurrence to begin with and to have it happen twice in one weekend is cause for concern.
“We had a valve break again,” explained Wilkerson, “just the same as on Thursday. We thought we had everything handled, so now we’re checking every part we have trying to figure out what’s going on. We have to get to the bottom of this. Once or twice a year is one thing, but twice in a weekend means something is wrong. Obviously, it’s not liking life right now. We’ve already gotten a hold of the valve manufacturer and the people that sell us the locks and retainers. So, hopefully we can get to the bottom of the problem.
“I’ve got some new stuff in my hand that we’re going to try at the next race in Phoenix and hope that it works out. As we’re talking I’m switching everything over. I know we’ll get this straightened out, and I’m still optimistic with the way the car is running, so things are still good.”
