POMONA, Calif. – Driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. believes in the Monster Energy Funny Car team and is steadfast in his belief that the Kenny Bernstein-owned operation is capable of a victory at the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals Nov. 13-16.
“Barring having to chase mechanical gremlins that would put any team behind the eight ball, I believe Mike Kloeber can lead this team to the winner’s circle,” said Johnson. “And a victory would turn a lackluster year into a good one. Mike has a lot of career victories and he definitely has the talent.
“So I’m coming into the final event of this season with high expectations.”
Johnson qualified No. 1 at Auto Club Raceway in 2001 and was Funny Car runner-up at the season-ending event in 2002.
Born into a drag racing family in Ottumwa , Iowa , the need for speed ran through Tommy’s veins and his interest grew as he spent years accompanying his dad, mom and sister to the races to watch as his father competed in a variety of sportsman classes, and for a short time, the Pro Stock professional category.
Johnson started his racing career as an eight year old, competing on a mini bike in a local drag racing series in his hometown. At the age of 15, he began to drive the family-owned Super Gas car. He earned his Top Fuel license in 1989.
Johnson has seven career NHRA national event Top Fuel and Funny Car victories to his credit. He is a member of the Cragar 4-second Club as well as the prestigious Slick 50 300 Mile Per Hour Club.
Johnson began competing at the California track in 1990.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Thursday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. There is a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m., followed by two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
“Barring having to chase mechanical gremlins that would put any team behind the eight ball, I believe Mike Kloeber can lead this team to the winner’s circle,” said Johnson. “And a victory would turn a lackluster year into a good one. Mike has a lot of career victories and he definitely has the talent.
“So I’m coming into the final event of this season with high expectations.”
Johnson qualified No. 1 at Auto Club Raceway in 2001 and was Funny Car runner-up at the season-ending event in 2002.
Born into a drag racing family in Ottumwa , Iowa , the need for speed ran through Tommy’s veins and his interest grew as he spent years accompanying his dad, mom and sister to the races to watch as his father competed in a variety of sportsman classes, and for a short time, the Pro Stock professional category.
Johnson started his racing career as an eight year old, competing on a mini bike in a local drag racing series in his hometown. At the age of 15, he began to drive the family-owned Super Gas car. He earned his Top Fuel license in 1989.
Johnson has seven career NHRA national event Top Fuel and Funny Car victories to his credit. He is a member of the Cragar 4-second Club as well as the prestigious Slick 50 300 Mile Per Hour Club.
Johnson began competing at the California track in 1990.
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Thursday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. There is a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m., followed by two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.
