Rolling into the 66th Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals Funny Car driver Dylan Winefsky was eager to make his mark at the 1,000th NHRA Funny Car race. Coming off a record setting performance three weeks ago at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals at his hometown track Firebird Motorsports Park the rising star was focused on building momentum. The 21-year-old driver made the most of this weekend on and off the track qualifying and spending time with the fans.
“Going into Q4 yesterday, being number 11 was definitely a huge positive,” said Winefsky. “Even though we got bumped down to 15th, we are using that as a confidence boost. It was a plus having two back-to-back races within two weeks. Everything is fresh on your mind, and you remember all the movements. It’ll be a little tough not being in the car for a couple months, but I’m going to get to drive Johnny West’s car in Tucson, Arizona in a couple weeks.”
After four rounds of qualifying, Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car qualified for the second national event in a row in a tough Funny Car field. After two days the Nitro Moose Funny Car entered race day as the No. 15 qualified Funny Car. Their quickest run was a solid 4.112 seconds, which was his quickest career run. During the qualifying rounds he was positioned as high as No. 11 before moving back to the No. 15 position. For his efforts he was matched up with three-time Funny Car world champion Ron Capps.
“The biggest positive from this weekend was resetting my personal best with that 4.11 pass,” said Winefsky. “Getting more seat time in the car is always huge. No matter what kind of run it’s always a learning curve. I feel increasingly comfortable in this Nitro Moose Funny Car.”
After a lengthy rain delay followed by a nearly 90-minute track clean up during the first round of Top Fuel eliminations Winefsky and Capps squared off. Capps was first off the starting line, but Winefsky was right beside him as they passed the Christmas Tree. Unfortunately for the young driver his Funny Car burned up a piston and the safety system disconnected the throttle so Winefsky couldn’t pedal his race car. As he was experiencing this issue Capps overpowered the track but he was able to regain control of his 12,000-horsepower land rocket. Winefsky was forced to watch Capps pull away for the round one victory.
The weekend was another busy learning experience for Winefsky as he represented his sponsors on the NHRA stage during a Friday question and answer session with FOX personality Courtney Enders. Winefsky talked about the sponsorship backing he has received from supporters across the country. Lowe’s Home Improvement was featured along with Audio Express, Robert’s Car Care, Outlaw Race Engines and Bob Jackson Body Repair on the blue and white Nitro Moose machine.
Being a part of the 1,000th Funny Car race was a special moment for the young driver. Seeing the significant moments recognized throughout the weekend along with the variety of Funny Car special guests that were at the event made the race one to remember. As Winefsky looks ahead to his next national event the progress he has made both here and at the Arizona Nationals will pay huge dividends.
“It was definitely a memorable moment to be able to be a part of the 1,000th Funny Car race,” said Winefsky. “There were 18 cars on the property, and all 18 were capable of getting in, so to be one of the quickest 16 is super cool.”
Fans interested in more information on Dylan Winefsky follow his social media on Facebook and Instagram.
