ALLEN JOHNSON, MOPAR/J&J RACING DODGE STRATUS R/T
Allen Johnson failed to qualify for this weekend's CSK NHRA Nationals, breaking his string of having qualified for 42 straight NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock national events.
He posted one good run, a 6.705/207.18, in the opening session, followed by a string of early shut downs for tire shake: a 12.464/67.68, a 13.312/63.96, and a 13.066/64.35.
This was especially heartbreaking for Johnson as he had qualified No. 2 in the season-opener in Pomona, Calif., two weeks ago. He was also one of only four Pro Stock drivers in 2006 to have qualified for every race that season.
"It was a streak that just got broke," he said. "We don't know what's wrong. It did it in the first round in Pomona and it's done it every run since. We've changed everything on it and can't figure it out. It's just got us by the throat. I don't have any explanation."
There's no question that Pro Stock is a tough class. "You can't stump your toe at all in this class, or you do just what we're doing. You go home," Johnson said.
Next up for Johnson is the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 15-18.
