Kurt Chronicles

THE KURT CHRONICLES: Kurt Johnson ACDelco News & Notes for the Lucas
Oil Nationals, Reading, Pa., Sept. 13-15


KURT FOCUSES ON HUMAN ELEMENT

Drag racing is a sport that requires a seamless blend of driver and
machine. While the emphasis in Pro Stock is often on the hardware that
produces horsepower, Pro Stock racer Kurt Johnson is concentrating on the
softer side of the sport. A holeshot loss in the first round of
eliminations at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals has turned K.J.'s gaze inward.

"The driver simply has to do his job," said Johnson as he prepared both
his machine and his mind for this weekend's Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in
Reading, Pa. "I have to sharpen my focus at the starting line.

"I'm going to quit thinking about the motor, quit thinking about the
car," K.J. continued. "I need to get rid of the distractions, and when the
light turns yellow, let out the clutch."

Good reaction times are more than a source of pride for a driver.
They're absolutely essential to winning in today's ferocious Pro Stock
competition.

"Reaction times are winning races," Kurt noted. "A driver knows when he's
on and he knows when he's off. I need to be on my game because everyone
else is."

Johnson will have an opportunity to put theory into practice this weekend
at Maple Grove Raceway. Kurt has competed nine times in the Lucas Oil
NHRA Nationals, scoring three victories. He defeated his father in the
final round in 1993 and 2000, and he defeated Mike Edwards in the 1998
final.

"I've won in Reading three times, and I can't wait to go back," said
Johnson. "I hope my history there will bring us some luck."

KURT JOHNSON'S MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY RECORD
Year  Qual.  Result
1993    2    Winner (over Warren Johnson)
1994    6    Second Round
1995    3    First Round
1996    DNQ
1997    6    Second Round
1998    2    Winner (over Edwards)
1999    2    Second Round
2000    9    Winner (over Warren Johnson)
2001    3    First Round