Practice makes perfect and for Allen Johnson, a test session prior to the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway made all the difference in a provisional No 1 spot and being just another driver chasing the domineering Mike Edwards.

Well, there is an issue of gained horsepower which could likely serve as a contributing factor in the success.

Practice makes perfect and for Allen Johnson, a test session prior to the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway made all the difference in a provisional No 1 spot and being just another driver chasing the domineering Mike Edwards.

Well, there is an issue of gained horsepower which could likely serve as a contributing factor in the success.

“Dad’s found some horsepower,” admitted Johnson. “I said it last time in Houston; we’ve caught Mike [Edwards] in terms of power,” Johnson explained. “We just have to get the car running as good down low as his has been. We did it that run and it showed. I think we are with him or just ahead of him. If I can do my job and we make the right decisions on the track, we’ll be something to be reckoned with.”

If Johnson’s 6.634 holds Friday’s No. 1 could turn into his first of 2010 and the eighth of his career.

“I just had to get after it a little more,” said Johnson of his second qualifying attempt. “I was a little bit greedy on the first run. The last run, we went .972 low. That was the first time we’ve been the quickest down low since they made the changes to the rear of the car with the rear weight rule.”

Johnson’s reference was to a rule change enacted last March mandating all Pro Stock cars must weigh 1090 pounds at the rear wheel. He was one of the critics of the NHRA’s decision aimed at providing more stability to the Pro Stockers in the last 350 feet of the race track.

To combat what he deemed as a setback, Johnson tested extensively, with one of those practice sessions earlier in the season at the site of this weekend’s national event.

“We were one of three cars who tested here earlier in the season,” said Johnson. “That helped a little.”

The testing provided a measure of confidence for Johnson who faced a monumental challenge  overtaking Mike Edwards, the leader of the session when Johnson rolled to the starting line. Not to mention he was seeking the overthrow on a 110-degree track.

“We were confident we could run a 6.64 but to get around him we knew we had to be perfect. And, we were.”