Beckman set to move Valvoline NextGEN Dodge one rung higher in standings to give DSR second straight Funny Car championship

January 17

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Jan. 17, 2012) - Between taking down Christmas lights, changing his daughter's diapers and getting worn down by his 4-year-old son, Jack Beckman has been racing. 

He tried to get a jump on his six Don Schumacher Racing teammates before they arrived Tuesday at Palm Beach International Raceway in Jupiter, Fla., for five testing days.

He's practiced staging his Valvoline NextGEN Dodge Charger R/T Funny Cars. He's tested his reflexes against the starting line Christmas tree and completed runs down the dragstrip.

All without leaving his home in Norco, Calif. All without opening his eyes.

"A few days before I left I started to envision everything I'll do in the Valvoline NextGen Charger," he said. "Everything from warming up the car to what I'll do on the starting line."

Beckman also is envisioning how he and crew chief Rahn Tobler can improve by one spot in this year's NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.

Beckman drove to three victories last year, two runner-ups and earned a number one qualifier. He also set the NHRA speed record at the fall event in Charlotte at 318.99 mph. Beckman was a strong contender for the championship, finishing second in points to teammate Matt Hagan in the final standings.

"If I weren't able to win the championship last year than I'm glad one of my teammates did," Beckman said. "But, hey, it should be my turn this year."

About Valvoline

Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil. The Valvoline family of products includes Eagle One® appearance products, Car Brite® car restoration products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products, Pyroil® automotive chemicals and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. With more than 800 locations throughout the United States, Valvoline Instant Oil Change® is a leader in serving the quick lube market.

About Don Schumacher Racing

Don Schumacher Racing, headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., consists of seven professional NHRA teams: in Top Fuel, the U.S. Army dragster driven by seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher, the FRAM/Prestone dragster of Spencer Massey and the Matco Tools dragster of Antron Brown; and in Funny Car, 2011 NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan in the Aaron's Dream Machine/Mopar Dodge Charger R/T, Valvoline NextGen Dodge piloted by Jack Beckman, the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge of Ron Capps and the Service Central Dodge of Johnny Gray. DSR has won 174 NHRA national event titles and nine world championships.