Chock full of bad memories; this year could provide a reversal of fortunes
Some memories are just better forgotten. Easier said than done when
you’re NHRA Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson and the subject of the 2007
Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals comes up in conversation.
In one weekend, Johnson not only failed to qualify for the only time in
the 2007 season but also sat helplessly as his father and engine
builder Roy Johnson was transported to the hospital, the victim of a
near-fatal heart attack while working at the track.
With his father by his side, Johnson views his return to this year’s
Checker Schuck’s Kragen NHRA Nationals, scene of one of the worst
weekends of his racing career, as a time of rebirth and celebration.
“We’ve got Dad an appointment early Thursday morning with the people
who saved his life. They’re going to check him out and give him a
physical,” said Johnson of his father, who had to be rushed from the
track last year to a local hospital and was shocked back to life by
doctors. The elder Johnson didn’t miss a beat, however, and was back
turning the wrenches on his son’s Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus
R/T Pro Stock car at the next event, the NHRA Gatornationals.