NHRA Kurt Johnson Saturday Update: KJ Qualifies Third in Reading

Event:  21st Annual Toyo Tires Nationals 

Day/Date: Saturday, September 17, 2005

Location:  Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, PA

 

After posting the quickest time among the 29 Pro Stock entries on Friday
at the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals in Reading, PA, Kurt Johnson and the
ACDelco Cobalt Racing team looked to solidify their position during
Saturday's final qualifying sessions.  Unfortunately, their progress was
slowed by a mechanical problem during the morning session, although they
were able to rebound with the third quickest pass in the final
qualifying session.

 

In the end, Johnson's 6.739-second, 204.54 mph pass from Friday evening
remained his run of record, earning the second-generation racer the
third starting position for Sunday's final eliminations at Maple Grove
Raceway.  

 

"We felt we had a car that could hold on to the pole today, but it just
didn't pan out.  It was on a pretty good lap this morning, but we had
some issues that I believe cost us that No. 1 position.  Fortunately, it
could have been a lot worse, but after replacing a few valve springs and
transmission parts, we were good to go.  In addition, we were able to
get some information from that run to tune on for this afternoon. 

 

"The weather really has not been an issue.  In fact, it's a lot like
Columbus (Ohio) and Atlanta (Ga.) where we've run in the past.  In
addition, the track is pretty decent, which makes it a little bit
easier.

 

"The bottom line is that our ACDelco Cobalt is making good, consistent
runs, and I'm doing my job driving.  I'm pretty confident going in to
tomorrow.  We're looking forward to going some rounds."