TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. TEAMS WITH FELLOW DRIVERS FOR SOFTBALL CLASSIC BEFORE COMPETITION BEGINS FOR TOYO TIRES NATIONALS
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READING, Pa. – Tommy Johnson Jr. has had a particular fondness for Maple Grove Raceway since 1999 when he won his first Funny Car event at the Pennsylvania track. When the NHRA circuit makes its 17th stop at the Toyo Tires Nationals Aug. 15-17, Monster Energy Funny Car driver Johnson will be swinging for his second victory there.
Prior to the start of qualifying, however, many of the professional NHRA drivers and motorcycle riders will join for a sort of intramural softball game. On Thursday, Aug. 14 fans will have the opportunity to watch coach Antron Brown’s “Burn Down Bombers” square off against Funny Car coach Gary Scelzi’s “Superchargers” at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading . Johnson and Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel teammate Brandon Bernstein will be on Brown’s tea m.
Johnson is probably one of the few players reprising a role in an NHRA softball game. In the early ‘90s, he played for two years in the NHRA vs. NASCAR softball game, followed by a third year when the NHRA players faced off against the CART drivers.
In the final battle of the motorsports stars, Johnson threw superstar Paul Newman out at home plate during the CART game. Newman was pinch running for Rick Mears who couldn’t run due to foot injuries obtained in a highly publicized racing crash.
In late July this season, Johnson visited friend Aaron Rowand, a standout player on the San Francisco Giants, and had an opportunity to participate in batting and outfield practice prior to the Giants’ game against the Washington Nationals. Johnson connected on 70 percent of the pitches in batting practice. So is he a “ringer” for the “Burn Down Bombers”?
“I only played baseball in little league until I was 10 or so,” said Johnson. “The only thing on my mind, really, was racing. “I think I’m motivated by the competitive nature of the game, and maybe we’re fortunate to have a few motor skills to contribute.
“This year’s softball game brings back memories of our games years ago,” continued Johnson. “There were huge crowds at Reading Phillies Stadiu m. Once you get all the drivers together, we enjoy the camaraderie. It’s an enjoyable and comfortable feeling among the drivers.
“On Friday, when qualifying begins, it’s every man for himself.”
Speaking of qualifying, two years again in Reading , Johnson ran one of his career best elapsed times clinching the No. 1 qualifying berth with a 4.693-second run.
“Maple Grove Raceway is a fast track,” said Johnson, “and the fans will see some good laps. When I won there in ’99, it sort of flipped the switch for us and our performance took off for the rest of the season. It would be nice to catch our second wind this year. Our focus is to get the Monster Energy Funny Car in winner’s circle here. We just want to win!”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p. m. , followed by a second session at 6:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p. m. , with eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a. m. Sunday.
NHRA Softball Classic: Aug. 14 at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies ( Reading , Pa. ) Autograph session from 5- 6 p. m. , first pitch at 7 p. m. For directions, visit readingphillies.com. Contact FirstEnergy Stadium to purchase tickets. $8 adult general admission, $10 adult reserved admission (field level), $5 children. Proceeds will benefit Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). NHRA announcer Bob Frey will be joined by Bob Wilber, a team publicist, to call the action on the field.
<img src="http://www.nitromater.com/gallery/files/5/t_johnson.jpg" alt="t_johnson" align="left"borders="0"/>
READING, Pa. – Tommy Johnson Jr. has had a particular fondness for Maple Grove Raceway since 1999 when he won his first Funny Car event at the Pennsylvania track. When the NHRA circuit makes its 17th stop at the Toyo Tires Nationals Aug. 15-17, Monster Energy Funny Car driver Johnson will be swinging for his second victory there.
Prior to the start of qualifying, however, many of the professional NHRA drivers and motorcycle riders will join for a sort of intramural softball game. On Thursday, Aug. 14 fans will have the opportunity to watch coach Antron Brown’s “Burn Down Bombers” square off against Funny Car coach Gary Scelzi’s “Superchargers” at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading . Johnson and Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel teammate Brandon Bernstein will be on Brown’s tea m.
Johnson is probably one of the few players reprising a role in an NHRA softball game. In the early ‘90s, he played for two years in the NHRA vs. NASCAR softball game, followed by a third year when the NHRA players faced off against the CART drivers.
In the final battle of the motorsports stars, Johnson threw superstar Paul Newman out at home plate during the CART game. Newman was pinch running for Rick Mears who couldn’t run due to foot injuries obtained in a highly publicized racing crash.
In late July this season, Johnson visited friend Aaron Rowand, a standout player on the San Francisco Giants, and had an opportunity to participate in batting and outfield practice prior to the Giants’ game against the Washington Nationals. Johnson connected on 70 percent of the pitches in batting practice. So is he a “ringer” for the “Burn Down Bombers”?
“I only played baseball in little league until I was 10 or so,” said Johnson. “The only thing on my mind, really, was racing. “I think I’m motivated by the competitive nature of the game, and maybe we’re fortunate to have a few motor skills to contribute.
“This year’s softball game brings back memories of our games years ago,” continued Johnson. “There were huge crowds at Reading Phillies Stadiu m. Once you get all the drivers together, we enjoy the camaraderie. It’s an enjoyable and comfortable feeling among the drivers.
“On Friday, when qualifying begins, it’s every man for himself.”
Speaking of qualifying, two years again in Reading , Johnson ran one of his career best elapsed times clinching the No. 1 qualifying berth with a 4.693-second run.
“Maple Grove Raceway is a fast track,” said Johnson, “and the fans will see some good laps. When I won there in ’99, it sort of flipped the switch for us and our performance took off for the rest of the season. It would be nice to catch our second wind this year. Our focus is to get the Monster Energy Funny Car in winner’s circle here. We just want to win!”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p. m. , followed by a second session at 6:30 p. m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p. m. , with eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a. m. Sunday.
NHRA Softball Classic: Aug. 14 at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies ( Reading , Pa. ) Autograph session from 5- 6 p. m. , first pitch at 7 p. m. For directions, visit readingphillies.com. Contact FirstEnergy Stadium to purchase tickets. $8 adult general admission, $10 adult reserved admission (field level), $5 children. Proceeds will benefit Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). NHRA announcer Bob Frey will be joined by Bob Wilber, a team publicist, to call the action on the field.
