Deby
Nitro Member
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ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Last year Tommy Johnson, Jr. won his ninth career event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park under adverse and nearly impossible circumstances. In fact, it was comparable to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Johnson, driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, says if he can defend his Funny Car title June 22 at the Lucas Oil Supernationals, it will top last year’s win.
“In the first round of last year’s race we had a fire that pretty much burned the car to the ground,” reminisced Johnson. “Somehow the team got the car back together and we went on to win the event.
“We came into that event without much success and Englishtown was the turning point for me last year. If we can parlay any success this year off that experience and the incredible number of wins that Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) has enjoyed at this track, then this would be the highlight of my career.
“Our team needs to go rounds and start banking some points. We have run some really competitive numbers, but we’ve been frustrated by little things here and there that have gone wrong mechanically. Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team are putting in the maximum amount of hours trying to get over the hump with these little gremlins.
“Believe me, it is a fight out there again this year in the Funny Car class. Each week we have in excess of 20 Funny Cars trying to squeeze a position in the top 16.
“I’m ready to have some long days on Sunday behind the wheel of our Monster Energy Dodge Charger.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Supernationals begins Friday, June 20 at 4 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.
TOMMY JOHNSON, JR: TO DEFEND ENGLISHTOWN WIN WOULD BE HIGHLIGHT OF CAREER
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Last year Tommy Johnson, Jr. won his ninth career event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park under adverse and nearly impossible circumstances. In fact, it was comparable to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Johnson, driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, says if he can defend his Funny Car title June 22 at the Lucas Oil Supernationals, it will top last year’s win.
“In the first round of last year’s race we had a fire that pretty much burned the car to the ground,” reminisced Johnson. “Somehow the team got the car back together and we went on to win the event.
“We came into that event without much success and Englishtown was the turning point for me last year. If we can parlay any success this year off that experience and the incredible number of wins that Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) has enjoyed at this track, then this would be the highlight of my career.
“Our team needs to go rounds and start banking some points. We have run some really competitive numbers, but we’ve been frustrated by little things here and there that have gone wrong mechanically. Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team are putting in the maximum amount of hours trying to get over the hump with these little gremlins.
“Believe me, it is a fight out there again this year in the Funny Car class. Each week we have in excess of 20 Funny Cars trying to squeeze a position in the top 16.
“I’m ready to have some long days on Sunday behind the wheel of our Monster Energy Dodge Charger.”
Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Supernationals begins Friday, June 20 at 4 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.
