NHRA Saturday: WJ Will Start 12th at the U.S. Nationals

WJ Will Start 12th at the U.S. Nationals

Event: 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Location:  Indianapolis Raceway Park
      Clermont, IN
Day/Date: Saturday September 6, 2003 

On the strength of a 6.825-second, 202.18 mph pass recorded during the initial qualifying sessions one week ago. Warren Johnson qualified his GM Performance Parts Grand Am 12th for Sunday's final eliminations of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.  

After battling a mechanical gremlin on Friday evening which prevented him from taking advantage of the best atmospheric conditions of the five qualifying sessions, Johnson bounced back to post a solid 6.829 second elapsed time with a top speed of 202.15 mph on Saturday morning.  Although tire shake on his final attempt forced him to shut off early, "The Professor of Pro Stock" is quietly confident heading into race day at Indianapolis Raceway Park. 

"Since we knew we would not be bumped out of the field, we were a little too aggressive on our last run.  As a result, we went over the edge, locking it up too early and shaking the tires.  We knew it was a gamble, but now we know not to go there tomorrow.  To be honest, I believe that was the first time we shook the tires with this particular car.  

"This morning's run was a decent one, especially since we were the first car down the track, and we were also a little conservative with the set-up, because we wanted to make sure and get down the racetrack.  Even so, we were the second quickest car in that lane. 

"Even if the NHRA is very diligent in their track preparation tomorrow, with higher temperatures forecast, the track conditions will not be any better than they were today, so we have a good idea of what to expect and how to adjust for it.  Fortunately, the lanes seem to be fairly equal.  Now that we know where the edge is, we should be in good shape."