CONCORD, N.C. — Former Funny Car winner Bob Gilbertson of nearby Gastonia, N.C., has selected veteran nitro driver Phil Burkart Jr. to pilot his Trick Tank/IFAB Funny Car at this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway.
“Phil is as reliable as they get when you need someone to jump into your car and immediately give you a chance at success,” Gilbertson said. “This is a big race for us on several fronts so having a first-rate driver is vitally important.
“We’re introducing a new business partner to Trick Tank with IFAB, and their president Alex Ochoa and his father Hugo, who owns Sap USA Truck and Auto Parts, will be attending their first drag race so it will be great to have a strong showing for them. Plus, this is our home track, so all our friends and family members will be here as well.”
Gilbertson’s Dodge Charger R/T will be tuned by Scott Gaddy, with technical advice coming from Tommy Delago and Nicky Bonifante. The car was previously driven by multi-time world champion Matt Hagan when he raced for Don Schumacher.
“We have all the parts and pieces we need, and the people we have tuning and helping with the car are all proven winners,” Gilbertson said. “We’re anxious to get on the track and see what we can do. I haven’t raced in NHRA since COVID so I’m excited to see all my old friends.”
With a nod to a possible return to the cockpit in the future, Gilbertson and team plan to stay until Monday so Gilbertson himself can renew his Funny Car license by making the requisite passes. Burkart will be on hand to help with the process.
“Bob and I have been friends and peers in the Funny Car class for years,” Burkart said. “When he called and asked if I could drive his car this weekend, I couldn’t get the ‘Yes’ out of my mouth fast enough. Bob always has first-class equipment and he races to win. He has that philosophy of only showing up if you can seriously contend for the trophy, and I feel the same way.
“Our combined experience and obviously Bob’s local knowledge and connection to this area gives us a nice headstart. Nothing is going to happen that we aren’t prepared for and our years in this class put us in a great position to have a solid weekend.”
