NHRA Saturday: WJ Will Roll Off 14th in Reading

Final Qualifying Results		

WJ Will Roll Off 14th in Reading


Event: 19th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
Location:  Maple Grove Raceway
       Reading, PA
Day/Date: Saturday October 4, 2003

Racers returning to Maple Grove Raceway for the resumption of the Lucas Oil Nationals encountered a situation much like what they had left behind during the original scheduled race weekend three weeks ago, with rains curtailing the on-track activities on Saturday to one qualifying session.  

This put the 30 entrants in the Pro Stock division in the unenviable position of having just one attempt in which to make the field for Sunday's final eliminations.   After entering the day in the 15th position, GM Performance Parts Grand Am driver Warren Johnson found himself outside the field as he rolled to the line for his run.  Responding to the challenge, Johnson recorded a 6.792-second elapsed time with a top speed of 203.80 mph, securing the 14th starting position.

"We listened to the (Pro Stock) motorcycles run before us, which are naturally aspirated as we are, as well as some of the cars ahead of us.  We felt the air was good enough for them to run faster, but they didn't seem to pick up that much, so our conclusion was the track was not as good as we thought it was.  As a result, we were a little conservative on our set-up, which cost us a couple hundredths.  It may have been a little too cautious, but at least we're in the show.

"We now have a good baseline to tune from for tomorrow.  Our plan is simple - to win four rounds and end the day with our GM Performance Parts Grand Am in the winner's circle."