Reading: Tommy Johnson Jr Saturday summary

MOHNTON, Pa. (Oct. 8, 2004) 0x2022 Tommy Johnson Jr. drove his Don Prudhomme-owned blue Skoal RacingSM Chevy Monte Carlo to the 10th qualifying spot Saturday at Maple Grove Raceway after recording a qualifying-best run of 4.841 seconds at 315.49 mph.

Johnson, the 1999 Funny Car winner at the Reading race, opened Saturday's flopper qualifying with his best performance of the weekend, driving to a run of 4.841 at 315.49 to earn the 10th qualifying position. Johnson's Chevy Funny Car was over aggressive on its final qualifying attempt causing it to spin the tires and slow to a time of 6.328 at 139.08.

"You always like to be in the top half (of the order), but we improved on each of the first three runs," Johnson said. "We went for it on the last pass and it just barely smoked the tires. It was just a little too aggressive, so we know where to back off. I'd be surprised if it doesn't run a high 4.70 in the first round tomorrow."

Johnson looks to earn his second career win at Maple Grove Raceway when he matches up against No. 7 qualifier Tim Wilkerson in round one of eliminations. Johnson is 6-2 in his career versus Wilkerson.

-www.snakeracing.com