Team Mopar(R) Driver Allen Johnson Exits in Quarterfinals at Route 66 NHRA Nationals
Mopar(R)/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus R/T driver Allen Johnson, looking for his second-straight NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock victory, saw his day end earlier than desired on Sunday, June 7, in the United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill. Johnson fell in the quarterfinal round of eliminations on a close holeshot loss to Kurt Johnson.
A.J., winner of the previous NHRA event at Topeka, started his weekend in strong fashion. He qualified his Mopar HEMI(R)-powered Pro Stock vehicle No. 4, then knocked off fellow Mopar-powered Pro Stocker David Beckley in the first round of eliminations with a run of 6.641/207.02, earning low ET of the round and lane choice against Kurt Johnson.
Allen posted the better run of the pair, with a pass of 6.642/206.73 to Kurt's 6.656/206.73 mark. Unfortunately, A.J.'s solid .034 reaction time off of the starting tree (.000 is perfect), was bettered by Kurt's stellar .014 light, creating a starting line advantage the Team Mopar driver was unable to overcome.
Allen Johnson's Pro Stock partner, Johnny Gray, also advanced to the quarterfinals, losing to event finalist Mike Edwards. Next up for the Mopar Pro Stock contingent is the NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, N.J., June 12–14. For more info on the NHRA, visit http://www.nhra.com.