NHRA Pre Race: Kurt Johnson Looks for a Big Rebound on the Texas Concrete

SUGAR HILL, GA., October 9, 2003 - Kurt Johnson has plenty of motivation entering the O'Reilly Fall Nationals in Ennis, TX.  One week after being a reluctant spectator on race day at the rain-soaked event in Reading, PA Johnson and his ACDelco racing team bring their Cavalier back to a track where certain victory narrowly escaped their grasp one year ago.  However, instead of focusing on the negative aspects of these two isolated events, Johnson prefers to channel his energy into his efforts for this weekend, as he looks to score his fifth win of the 2003 NHRA POWERade season.

"We had the car to beat in Dallas one year ago, and we let it slip away from us by a couple thousandths in the semi-finals," recalled Johnson.  "Then one week ago in Reading, we had some issues with the clutch which really hurt us when the rain cut down qualifying to a single session.  When you combine those two events, you can see why the entire ACDelco team is extremely motivated.  

"We know with the unusual circumstances of two runs three weeks apart, what happened last week could happen to anyone.  Even so, after having as exceptional a season as we have had, that DNQ has us pretty ticked off.  We're coming to the Texas Motorplex ready to regroup and win."

After consistently being one of the top two cars in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock division during the first eighteen races, the last few events have seen Johnson and his Sugar Hill, GA based team battle a mysterious clutch problem that has slowed their race car.  But, having zeroed in on what they believe is the root of the problem, they arrive in the Lone Star State quietly confident of reclaiming their normal spot atop the field.

"We had put more traction in the car several races ago, and were the No.1 qualifier in Brainerd and Indianapolis," said Johnson.  "However, when we got to the better tracks, we started burning through the clutch, an issue that became a major concern.  We originally thought the problem was in the chassis, but looking back on it, we believe the coatings in the clutch discs had gone away. 

"We've since replaced them, and have several other new components we plan to use, so we fully expect our ACDelco Cavalier to be back at the top of the charts this weekend."

Further adding to Johnson's optimistic outlook is his long record of success at this unique facility located just south of Dallas.  With three wins and five final round appearances over the last ten years, Johnson certainly knows his way to the winner's circle, a trip he hopes to make this weekend.

"We've scored some wins at the Motorplex in the past, so naturally we feel comfortable racing there," stated Johnson.  "It was one of the original premier facilities on the NHRA tour, with suites in the tower, and the all-concrete racing surface.  It can be a very fast track with a narrow groove, but I've never had a problem with it.  As long as it's properly prepared, as we expect it will be, we should be fine.

"We have a good notebook on this track from last year's race, so our ACDelco Cavalier should be good right out of the box.  We never need a reason to win, but we're looking to bounce back in a big way in Texas."


Facts on Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Racing Team entering 
The O'Reilly Fall Nationals:

Kurt is a master at the Motorplex: This will be Kurt's 15th appearance at the Texas Motorplex, where he has three wins (in 1993, 1998 & 2000) in five final round appearances. In his fourteen previous starts, he has compiled a 27-11 elimination round record, for a .711 winning percentage.
 
KJ's Qualifying Record in Ennis:  KJ has been the No. 1 qualifier twice in Texas (in 1997 & 2000), and has only three starts outside the top six in fourteen previous races, with an overall average of 5.64.

One year ago:  Kurt qualified fifth at the Motorplex with an elapsed time of 6.865 seconds and a top speed of 202.24 mph, and advanced to the semi-finals. 

Track record holder: Kurt holds both ends of the Texas Motorplex track record, based on his 6.785 second elapsed time and 202.47 mph top speed run in last year's event.

KJ's Stellar Season Continues: Kurt has several personal single-season marks in 2003.  His eight final round appearances eclipse his previous best of seven, set in 1993 & 1997.  He has also set a new single season mark for elimination round wins, which currently sits at 42, breaking his previous record of 41 set in 2000.  Kurt is also within reach of his best single season win total of six, also set in 2000.

POWERade Points standings: After the twentieth of 23 events, Kurt sits second in the 2003 POWERade Championship standings with 1509 points, 354 behind current leader Greg Anderson, and 124 ahead of Jeg Coughlin, who is in third.  Kurt finished sixth in 2002, his tenth consecutive Top 10 finish.

Winning percentage: Kurt's .643 elimination round winning percentage (338-188) ranks 11th among all active NHRA professional drivers.

Career best elapsed time:  6.716 seconds, Englishtown, NJ, 2003

Career best top speed: 206.61 mph, Englishtown, NJ, 2003 

Event schedule:
		Qualifying: 	Friday, October 10:		Two sessions at 2:30 & 6:00 p.m.
					Saturday, October 11: 	            Two sessions at 11:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
	Eliminations:	Sunday, October 12:		Pre-race ceremonies  - 10:00 a.m.
					First round of eliminations  - 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying:			Saturday, October 11:	5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Final Eliminations Coverage:	Sunday, October 12: 	5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
	NHRA2Day:			Sunday, October 12:   12:30 - 1:00 p.m. (ESPN2)


(Note: All TV times are Eastern and subject to change.  Please check your local listings for updated air times.)
	
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