NHRA Friday: KJ Sets Firebird Raceway Speed Record, Sits Fourth Halfway through Qualifying

Phoenix, Ariz., February 21, 2003 - Kurt Johnson opened his qualifying effort for the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in fine fashion on Friday, setting both the track elapsed time and top speed records on his first attempt.  Running in the left lane, Johnson's ACDelco Cavalier streaked down the quarter-mile in 6.848 seconds, with a top speed of 202.30 mph.  

Although his father Warren Johnson would eclipse his elapsed time mark in the second qualifying session,  KJ's opening effort was enough to retain the top speed record and place the ACDelco Cavalier fourth midway through time trials.

"That was a pretty smooth run for our ACDelco Cavalier.  Since it was our first pass down the track, the set-up was a little soft, but it just ran right down there.  We tried to improve on it in the second session, because the track had really improved.  Even though we were in the right hand lane, we were looking for a 6.82, but the car sat down on the rear tires at the end of low gear, which distorted the tires and got it out of shape.  

"Even so, it was a strong first day.  We'll get it fixed for tomorrow by moving around a little weight and changing the four-link.  Fortunately, the weather stays pretty consistent in this area, so we can use the information from today to get after it and move up a few spots."