KJ NHRA Houston Friday Update: A Consistent KJ Holds the Third Spot Halfway through Qualifying in Houston

Event:  19th Annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals

Day/Date: Friday, March 31, 2006

Location:  Houston Raceway Park, Baytown, TX

 

Kurt Johnson's primary goal entering the O'Reilly Spring Nationals was
to reestablish the consistency that had made his ACDelco Cobalt one of
the top contenders in the NHRA's Pro Stock division.  Following the
opening day of qualifying at Houston Raceway Park, the early indications
are that he is headed in the right direction, as he posted two solid
passes, with his 6.706-second, 205.54 mph run on Friday evening slotting
the second-generation racer in the third position entering Saturday's
final time trials.

 

"Our ACDelco Cobalt has been so good, it's almost like an entirely new
race car.  It's gone straight, it's staying on the ground, and went .986
in sixty feet tonight.  We looked at the data after the first run and
figured it needed more gear, while I thought we should get after the
carburetors from the seat of my pants.  I think we are ready to make a
move."

 

However, Johnson's day was not totally uneventful, as his evening
attempt was delayed by an impromptu track drying session, where NHRA
officials tried to control water that was seeping to the surface.

 

"Kevin (car chief Kevin Horst) had been keeping an eye on the track
throughout the session, and when he saw two quality cars jump up and act
crazy for no apparent reason, he ran out to check.  He saw water on the
racetrack, and made sure the NHRA took the time to correct the
situation.  I have to give my crew a lot of credit for taking care of
things tonight."