NHRA Pre Race: Knowledge has been Power for Kurt Johnson in 2003

SUGAR HILL, GA., September 16, 2003 - One of the most telling indicators of Kurt Johnson's success during the 2003 NHRA POWERade season has been his ability to win on race tracks where victory had previously eluded him.  Of the four national event wins logged by Johnson in his ACDelco Cavalier this year, three have marked his first visit to the winner's circle at that particular facility (Gainesville, Bristol and Chicago), with five of his eight final round appearances representing his initial foray to the championship round at that track.

"Our success in 2003 can be attributed to several things," explained Johnson. "First of all, experience has played a big part.  As the saying goes, you get smarter as you get older.  It comes down to knowing what not to do, and making good decisions based on the data in front of you.

"We've also got a very good handle on our ACDelco Cavalier.  We've had this particular chassis for over a year, and know how to adjust it for whatever conditions we may encounter.  

"Last, but certainly not least, is the great chemistry on the ACDelco crew.  Between myself, Kevin Horst and Joe Cottle, we work to stay on the same page, making the right decisions to get down the track at every race.  This combination has worked well for us so far this season, and we look to keep it going this weekend in Memphis."   

Johnson's stellar track record will receive a stiff challenge this weekend, as the quarter-mile circuit winds its way to Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, TN for the 16th annual Lucas Oil Mid-South Nationals presented by Pennzoil.  Although he was the runner-up to his father (six-time Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson) at this event in 1998, and the No. 1 qualifier in 1997, the driver best known as "K.J." to his competitors and fans is still looking to leave the Volunteer State with the Pro Stock winner's trophy.  However, based on their results to date, Johnson and crew are quietly confident of accomplishing that goal this weekend.

"Memphis is a good track, especially since they put the concrete in and redid the racing surface a few years ago," said Johnson.  "It's got a few bumps, but we should be able to negotiate them.  The main thing is that, after two races affected by rain, we're just hoping it's dry.

"We've had arguably the quickest car at the last two races, and if we get a couple breaks going our way, things could get pretty interesting.  We're only completely happy when we win, so we plan to turn the wick up another notch this weekend.  Memphis is known as the barbecue capital of the world, and we plan to do some roasting of our own."

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

Kurt is Looking for his First Gold Record in the Music City : This will be Kurt's eleventh appearance at Memphis Motorsports Park, where he has one final round appearance in 1998, and a 10-8 elimination round record, for a .556 winning percentage.
 
KJ's Qualifying Record in Memphis:  KJ has qualified in the top half of the field in six of his previous 10 attempts at Memphis Motorsports Park, with one No. 1 qualifying performance in 1997, and an overall average of 6.75.

One year ago:  Kurt qualified seventh in Memphis with an elapsed time of 6.856 seconds and a top speed of 200.23 mph, and advanced to the quarterfinals. 

Career year: Kurt stands to set several personal single-season marks in 2003.  His eight final round appearances eclipse his previous best of seven, set in 1993 & 1997, and with two more elimination round wins, he will set a new single season high, 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 seventeenth of 23 events, Kurt sits second in the 2003 POWERade Championship standings with 1394 points, 176 behind current leader Greg Anderson, and 260 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, September 19: 		Two sessions at 3:00 & 6:00 p.m. 
					Saturday, September 20: 	Two sessions at 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
	Eliminations:	Sunday, September 21:	Pre-race ceremonies  - 10:00 a.m.
					First round of eliminations  - 11:00 a.m.
TV Schedule:
Qualifying Highlights:		Saturday, September 20:	3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Final Eliminations Coverage:	
		Early Rounds:		Sunday, September 21: 	1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (ESPN)
		Final:			Sunday, September 21: 	6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
	NHRA2Day:			Sunday, September 21:      	11:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ESPN2)