Melanie Johnson made a notable debut in Top Alcohol Dragster at the NHRA Gatornationals, driving the McPhillips Racing A/Fuel dragster. Johnson displayed strong performances and set new personal bests despite challenging weather conditions.
Qualifying began on March 6, where Johnson posted a personal best of 5.243 seconds at 279.85 mph, securing the provisional number four spot in a 12-car field. She improved her performance on Friday, running a 5.177 at 279.21 mph, which moved her up to second place before the cancellation of the third qualifying session due to delays.
Rain disrupted Saturday’s elimination rounds, pushing back the schedule for Sunday. Johnson finally made her elimination pass against Sarah Allen, who broke during qualifying, resulting in a solo run for Johnson, clocking a 5.218 at 277.37 mph, the low E.T. of the round.
In the following round, Johnson faced Matt Cummings. Although she delivered a solid run of 5.225 at 277.54 mph, she lost to Cummings in a close holeshot finish.
“I’ve been preparing for this race and this season for the last four months,” Johnson said. “I’m obviously disappointed in the holeshot loss because Rich, Richie, and the crew gave me a great car all weekend.”
Johnson expressed the personal significance of racing at Gainesville Raceway, inspired by her late uncle, Blaine Johnson, and her father, Alan Johnson. “It really just made me smile that I get to race at the same track in the same class,” she said.
