Team Mopar Driver Allen Johnson Ready to Snap Up Win at NHRA Gatornationals
Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus R/T NHRA Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson has had a solid start to the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. The Team Mopar driver advanced to the semifinals at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. on Feb. 10 and to the quarterfinals at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix on Feb. 22, and qualified third at each event. Coupled with recent positive buzz in drag racing circles about his title chances, Johnson is optimistic he can break through into the winner’s circle at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla. on March 13–15.
Johnson’s off-season moves, including the hiring of co-crew chief Jeff Perley and his partnership with fellow Mopar HEMI®-powered Pro Stock driver Johnny Gray, have garnered AJ attention as a possible front runner for the NHRA Pro Stock championship, including a recent front-page article on NHRA.com. The Greeneville, Tenn. native, currently fifth in the Pro Stock standings, knows a strong outing at the prestigious Gatornationals would provide a nice early-season boost to his title aspirations.
"I’m very satisfied with how the car is working and how the team is jelling. I’m not satisfied that we didn’t win the first two races," said Johnson. "I know we can do better. The engine shop is doing great with our Mopar HEMI engines, and the car is more consistent and raceable on Sunday. I love Gainesville. It’s like a breakout race for the year, like the season is really getting started. I think we have the car and the team to go out there and take home the win for Mopar."
Johnson and Gray, as well Mopar-powered Pro Stockers Rickie Jones, V. Gaines and Larry Morgan, will do battle at the 40th annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., on March 13–15. For more info on the NHRA, visit http://www.nhra.com.