The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NHRA: Johnson leads Pro Stock field after Holley Dominator Duel cash

15 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J.-- Five-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson will seek his third victory in the Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel as the No. 1 seed for the special event, held May 20 during the 31st annual Matco Tools Spring SuperNationals presented by Racing Champions at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

A purse of $76,000 is available for the eight drivers competing in the Duel. The winner of the 16th annual Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel will earn $50,000. The runner-up will earn $10,000, the two semi-finalists $3,000 each and the four first-round finishers $2,500 apiece.

Johnson, from Buford, Ga., qualified No. 1 at 12 of the 22 NHRA national events that drivers could earn Duel points. Johnson qualified in the top five at 18 of those events.

The $142,000 Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel showcases the eight best Pro Stock qualifiers during a 22-race span between the 1999 Matco Tools Spring SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and the 2000 Advance Auto Parts NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Drivers accumulated points during qualifying at those events. Holley Performance Products presented a $3,000 bonus to the No. 1 qualifier at each race during that span.

Johnson is the only Pro Stock driver that has competed in every Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel since its inception in 1985. He has been to the final round six times, winning in 1995 and 1993. He was runner-up in 1999, 1996, 1990 and 1989.

This year's Holley Pro Stock Dominator Duel field contains five past winners. In addition to Johnson, defending champion Jeg Coughlin, two-time winner Kurt Johnson, 1997 winner Jim Yates and 1986 winner Bruce Allen will compete. Mark Pawuk is making his eighth appearance, while Richie Stevens and Troy Coughlin will compete in the Duel for the second time.

Holley Dominator Duel rounds are scheduled for noon, 3:50 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on May 20.

Text provided by Anthony Vestal

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.