NHRA Pro Stock driver and Greeneville, Tenn. native Allen Johnson seeks a win as he heads to his home track of Bristol Dragway [Tenn.] on May 16–18 for the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Johnson’s best finish at his home event came last year with a quarterfinals appearance. He’ll attempt to kill two birds with one stone and notch both his first win of the 2008 season and his first victory at the Bristol NHRA stop.

“Bristol has always had a stranglehold on us. Our best finish there since it became a national event has been the quarterfinals,” said Johnson. “I think a win anywhere right now would mean a lot, but a win at Bristol would be special, right up there with qualifying No. 1 and winning at Denver [which Johnson did last year at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals]. It would mean a lot to family and friends, and I know we would get a lot of coverage from the local media.”



NHRA Pro Stock driver and Greeneville, Tenn. native Allen Johnson seeks a win as he heads to his home track of Bristol Dragway [Tenn.] on May 16–18 for the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Johnson’s best finish at his home event came last year with a quarterfinals appearance. He’ll attempt to kill two birds with one stone and notch both his first win of the 2008 season and his first victory at the Bristol NHRA stop.

“Bristol has always had a stranglehold on us. Our best finish there since it became a national event has been the quarterfinals,” said Johnson. “I think a win anywhere right now would mean a lot, but a win at Bristol would be special, right up there with qualifying No. 1 and winning at Denver [which Johnson did last year at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals]. It would mean a lot to family and friends, and I know we would get a lot of coverage from the local media.”

Johnson hopes the benefits of being close to home pay off for the HEMI®-powered Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus R/T crew. His team includes crew chief Mark Ingersoll and his father and engine builder, Roy Johnson.

“It’s always a very nice part of the year,” said AJ. “Being able to race in front of your family and friends and to sleep in your own bed is a big plus.”

TENNESSEE POLITICKIN' - A quarter-mile pro, Johnson has already strapped in for circle track events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and at Tri-City Speedway in Illinois this year. He’ll test his expertise at turning left yet again in the NHRA Circle Track Challenge at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 17. The event will take place on Saturday night following qualifying for the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Johnson of the chance to show his hometown fans his skills away from the drag strip. “I think I’ve gotten better at it. Those last 10 laps out there in the dirt [at the Tri-City Speedway NHRA on Dirt event] I got the hang of it pretty good. I was running right behind Gary Scelzi [the event winner] and keeping pace with him [Johnson finished fifth]. It’s definitely fun. These circle track events break the monotony and are something new. I think this deal here at Bristol will be extra fun.”

Race fans can vote to determine the Circle Track Challenge’s starting line-up on http://www.bristoldragway.com. Fans may vote once per day, with the “polls” closing on May 15. Johnson has put on his campaign hat in order to secure a good starting position.

“I’ve been really political,” said Johnson. “I’ve been looking for votes.”

Other drivers set to steer street stock cars in the event include Johnson’s Team Mopar teammates Gary Scelzi and Ron Capps. He’ll also be joined by NHRA drivers Tony Schumacher, Jeg Coughlin, Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Doug Kalitta, Kurt Johnson, Dave Grubnic, Morgan Lucas, J.R. Todd, Justin Humphreys, Doug Herbert, Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Cory McClenathan.