Denver: Kurt Johnson Friday notes

KJ Opens Quickly, Sits Fourth on Friday in Denver

Pro Stock race teams faced two challenges during the first day of qualifying at the NHRA Mile-High Nationals in Denver, Colorado. Not only would they have to compensate for the dramatic loss of horsepower due to the thin 5,800-foot air, but they would also have to deal with a hot and slick track due to the 90 degree temperatures at Bandimere Speedway on Friday.

However, these proved to be only minor obstacles for Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Chevy Cobalt Racing team. In each of the two sessions, the red, white and blue crew was among the leaders in their category, with their 7.053-second, 195.42 mph best in the night session slotting them in the fourth position midway through qualifying.

"To come here without testing and be fourth on Friday night in a different car than we had run here before is extremely satisfying. So far, our ACDelco Cobalt has been very consistent, making nice, smooth runs, so now it's a matter of dialing in a race day set up.

"The forecast is calling for warmer temperatures tomorrow, and both sessions are in the middle of the day, so I don't expect a lot of changes at the top of the order. If so, we'll work on the set up for Sunday. Of course, we'll keep an eye on the weather, just in case there's an opportunity to improve. Either way, it's been a good opening day here in Denver."

-credit: j2r