Defending Champ Allen Johnson Takes No. 2 Spot in Friday Qualifying at Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals
Morrison, Colo. (July 22, 2011) – Mopar® Dodge Avenger NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson enjoyed a solid start out of the gate in his attempt at a three-peat at the 32nd Annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, claiming the No. 2 spot after two rounds of qualifying today at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo.
Johnson demonstrated why he has earned back-to-back wins at his primary sponsor’s race, powering his Mopar Dodge temporarily to the No. 1 spot with a 6.992-second elapsed time at 196.50 mph in the second round of qualifying, before being knocked down a notch by Mike Edwards. Johnson’s effort was even more impressive considering his first run, a 9.249/103.28 pass that left him No. 15 and necessitated a quick engine swap by the Mopar/J&J Racing team.
The Team Mopar veteran will shoot for his second straight Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals pole in the final two qualifying rounds tomorrow, and also the third of his career. Johnson is also gunning for a fourth win in the last five years at Thunder Mountain.
“We’re happy with the No. 2 spot, but I think we could have had an awesome first run if we hadn’t encountered problems,” said Johnson, who is also looking to score his fifth straight final-round appearance at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. “It was a good performance overall. We like to show off for all the Mopar folks who come out to their big event. They’re a great cheering section, and we hope to make them proud again tomorrow and on Sunday.”
Don Schumacher Racing NHRA Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, driving his Mopar Dodge Charger R/T with a special Mopar graphics wrap, notched the preliminary No. 3 spot with a 4.194/300.06 effort in the second qualifying session. Hagan will seek to move up to the top spot tomorrow and claim his second straight No. 1 position at Bandimere Speedway.
Morrison, Colo. (July 22, 2011) – Mopar® Dodge Avenger NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson enjoyed a solid start out of the gate in his attempt at a three-peat at the 32nd Annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals, claiming the No. 2 spot after two rounds of qualifying today at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo.
Johnson demonstrated why he has earned back-to-back wins at his primary sponsor’s race, powering his Mopar Dodge temporarily to the No. 1 spot with a 6.992-second elapsed time at 196.50 mph in the second round of qualifying, before being knocked down a notch by Mike Edwards. Johnson’s effort was even more impressive considering his first run, a 9.249/103.28 pass that left him No. 15 and necessitated a quick engine swap by the Mopar/J&J Racing team.
The Team Mopar veteran will shoot for his second straight Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals pole in the final two qualifying rounds tomorrow, and also the third of his career. Johnson is also gunning for a fourth win in the last five years at Thunder Mountain.
“We’re happy with the No. 2 spot, but I think we could have had an awesome first run if we hadn’t encountered problems,” said Johnson, who is also looking to score his fifth straight final-round appearance at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals. “It was a good performance overall. We like to show off for all the Mopar folks who come out to their big event. They’re a great cheering section, and we hope to make them proud again tomorrow and on Sunday.”
Don Schumacher Racing NHRA Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, driving his Mopar Dodge Charger R/T with a special Mopar graphics wrap, notched the preliminary No. 3 spot with a 4.194/300.06 effort in the second qualifying session. Hagan will seek to move up to the top spot tomorrow and claim his second straight No. 1 position at Bandimere Speedway.
