Reading: Justin Hemphreys final report

Humphreys loses close quarterfinal race to Allen Johnson

Justin Humphreys just shook his head, trying to get the frustration of losing to his teammate and engine supplier Allen Johnson Sunday in the Pro Stock quarterfinals of the Toyo Tires Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

Johnson's winning margin was a paltry nine-thousandths of a second, but the difference came at the starting line. Humphreys had a .044 reaction time to Johnson's .032, but Humphreys' RaceRedi Motorsports Dodge had the quicker time, 6.653 seconds at 207.34 mph to a 6.655 at 207.08.

"We had the third-quickest time of the round, but it didn't matter," lamented Humphreys. "And there went any chance of us making the top 10. But our car is running good and the motor is making good horsepower. We made six good runs.

"This was the first holeshot loss I've ever had."

Humphreys began the day on a happier note, defeating Richie Stevens in the first round, 6.652 at 207.43 mph to 6.670 at 206.54.

Humphreys returns to competition at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, at Indianapolis.

-credit: rrm