NHRA Kurt Johnson Qualifying Update: KJ Qualifies 14th in Phoenix

 

Event:  22nd Annual Checker's Schuck's Kragen Nationals

Day/Date: Saturday, February 25, 2006

Location:  Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, AZ

 

Kurt Johnson and the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team completed what could be
classified as an unusual qualifying effort at the Checker Schuck's
Kragen Nationals on Saturday, as their first pass on Friday afternoon
proved to be their run of record, earning the 14th starting position for
Sunday's final eliminations.

 

After opening with the second-quickest pass of the initial session at
6.723-seconds with a top speed of 206.73 mph, Johnson was timed out of
his evening attempt due some confusion at the starting line, depriving
him of a run in the optimal conditions, as well as valuable tuning
information. 

 

During Saturday's final twin sessions, the team battled to match their
car's power to the tricky Firebird Raceway surface, producing two
6.73-second runs, leaving his initial time as his best of the four, with
Johnson looking towards a better showing on Sunday.

 

"We started out well, but we certainly haven't had any luck since then.
We've been using some new components, and although we've learned a lot,
we still need more time before we can effectively use them in
competition.  That's why the deal last night hurt.. 

 

"Our top speeds show the power is there - now it's a matter of improving
our 60 to 330 foot times.  We need to get a better handle on our ACDelco
Cobalt, so we're going back to the basics for tomorrow.  We know what to
do - it's up to us to get the job done."