A lot of good things can happen once you've won a championship in auto racing. First, there's the name recognition. That increased notoriety attracts more attention from sponsors. The attention from sponsors increases the budget of the team. Increased budgets generally mean better equipment. Better equipment can lead to a faster car. A faster car can help generate more championships. That is the circle of life in motorsports.
The 2012 Mello Yello NHRA Funny Car championship has benefitted from all of these things, and the accolades keep piling up. On a recent visit to Auto Club Speedway, Valvoline presented a token of their appreciation to Granada Hills’ hometown NHRA champion, Jack Beckman, that probably won't end up in his trophy case anytime soon.
"You know what, I'm 46 now and I don't get a lot of presents and I don't get wound up and excited for stuff, but that is one of the coolest damn things I've ever gotten in my life,” stated an excited Beckman.
The avid surfer who ranks riding waves just below riding 320-mph Funny Cars, was presented with a custom, top-of-the-line Al Merrick surfboard from sponsor Valvoline that saluted him for winning the 2012 NHRA Funny Car world championship.
"I didn't know what to say. Of the two things I love to do - race cars and surf - Valvoline combined the two. It was such a thoughtful gift and I'm going to use it until it breaks in half," Beckman continued. "I'd be on it Monday if we weren't racing in Phoenix next week!"
The West Palm Beach Motorsports Examiner congratulates 'Fast' Jack Beckman on his 2012 championship, and wishes his luck in his quest to repeat in 2013.
Be sure to subscribe to the West Palm Beach Motorsports Examiner, and keep track of your favorite racers. If you're a motorsports fan, and know of an event, team, or person you'd like to see profiled, please let me know. Also, be sure to follow me on twitter, and read my articles about local getaways, HOAs, elections, and restaurants.
Comments