Bristol: Allen Johnson preview

Team Mopar's Allen Johnson Seeks Successful Homecoming at Bristol Greeneville, Tenn. native Johnson looks to break through for first win at his home track

Center Line, Mich. -- Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus R/T NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson considers Bristol Dragway his home track, yet the facility has failed to provide Johnson a "home court" advantage. Despite his best efforts, the Greeneville, Tenn. native has been denied a visit to the winner's circle in the NHRA's annual visit to the Tennessee quarter-mile. Johnson will try to solve the Bristol puzzle once and for all this weekend at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, scheduled for May 15--17.

Johnson and his J&J Racing team, led by co-crew chiefs Mark Ingersoll and Jeff Perley and Mopar HEMI engine builder Roy Johnson, Allen's father, have been putting in the time needed to change their fortunes. The Greeneville, Tenn.-based team spent two days of testing in Bristol last week, searching for the key to put Allen over the hump. Johnson also took part in a media luncheon promoting the NHRA Bristol event last week in which the subject of his home track woes was raised.

"At the press conference we were talking about my Bristol record," said Johnson. "Somebody asked if I knew why I haven't had any luck at Bristol, and what I could do to change it. I said, 'Let's go around the room and ya'll can tell me some stuff to try.' I think this is going to be our break through year at Bristol, though."

Johnson found encouragement at the previous NHRA event near St. Louis, where he once again qualified in the top half of the cutthroat NHRA Pro Stock field, taking the No. 5 spot. Johnson feels he can better that performance, both in qualifying and on Sunday, at Bristol.

"Yeah, we've got everybody working well," said Johnson. "I feel like I've got the monkey off my back. We're just going to go in with a great attitude and all the confidence in the world to try and qualify No. 1 to win this race."

-credit: mopar