NHRA Kurt Johnson Sonoma Pre Race

Sugar Hill, Ga., July 25, 2006 - One of the toughest sections of the
2006 POWERade Drag Racing season will come to an end this weekend as the
NHRA puts the wraps on its traditional Western Swing.  Having already
visited Denver and Seattle, the straight-line set will head to the
California wine country for the final stop on their three-races-in-three
weeks tour, the NHRA California Nationals in Sonoma, CA.  

 

With four days between the Seattle and Sonoma races, Kurt Johnson took
advantage of the time to travel down the coast with his wife Kathy and
their three children, daughter Erin and sons Conner and Jarrett.
Climbing into the team's minivan, the Johnsons made the 800-mile trek in
three days, stopping at various points of interest and simply enjoying
the time together.  

 

Although welcoming the brief respite from the pressure of competition,
the second-generation racer also looks forward to returning to action at
Infineon Raceway, where he hopes to capitalize on the performance his
ACDelco Cobalt Racing team has shown of late, including five straight
starts in the top half of the field.

 

"It was tremendous to travel with my family during the week, making the
trip down the coast together," stated Johnson.  "As hectic as our
schedule can get during the season, we try to take advantage of any time
we can spend together, and this was a perfect opportunity.  However,
they understand that my primary focus once we get to California will
once again be on racing, and getting our ACDelco Cobalt back to the
winner's circle.

 

"In the last few races, we've done a good job in qualifying, but with
the exception of Chicago, haven't quite been able to put it together on
race day.   As strong as these fields have become in Pro Stock, every
piece of the puzzle must be in place in order to win.  From the driver
and crew to the race car, we all have to do our jobs to the absolute
best.  That's our game plan for Sonoma - now it's a matter of not so
simple execution."

 

Located just north of San Francisco in the heart of the Napa Valley,
Infineon Raceway is one of the crown jewels on the NHRA circuit,
offering racers and fans tremendous scenery as well as the potential for
record-setting performances.  Having won there in 2000, and coming off a
runner-up performance one year ago, Johnson knows what it takes to
succeed in Sonoma, and looks to deliver another vintage performance this
weekend.  

 

"Personally, I think Infineon Raceway is a great place to wrap up the
Western Swing," opined Johnson.  "The changing weather conditions, where
it can be cool in the morning, and scorching hot in the afternoon,
challenge the tuners who must come up with a tune-up to adapt to
whatever Mother Nature gives us, making for a great weekend of racing.  

 

"Besides, it's one of Bruton Smith's tracks, so we know it is a superb
facility that is also run properly, which can make a huge difference
throughout the course of the weekend.   We've won there in the past, and
were the runners-up a year ago, making it the perfect place for the
ACDelco Cobalt crew to put it all together and start closing the gap
between ourselves and the top spot.  If we do that, I know we'll have
the perfect wine to toast our success."

 

Quick Notes on Kurt Johnson & the ACDelco Cobalt Racing team entering

The California NHRA Nationals:

 

Kurt Has Been A Winner in the Wine Country:  This will be KJ's 14th
career appearance at Infineon Raceway, where he has one win (in 2000) in
three final round appearances and a 20-12 elimination round record for a
.625 win percentage.  

 

KJ's Sonoma Qualifying Stats:  In his 13 previous career starts at
Infineon Raceway, Kurt has four No. 1 qualifying performances (including
one year ago), 11 starts in the top half of the field, and an average
starting position of 4.923.

 

One year ago - Track Record Holder:  Kurt was the No. 1 qualifier for
the 26th time in his career with an Infineon track record elapsed time
of 6.676 seconds and top speed of 206.80 mph, and advanced to the 58th
final round of his career.

 

Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.646 sec., Joliet, IL, 6/11/06

 

Career best top speed:  207.72 mph, Pomona, CA, 2/12/06

 

Event Schedule:

Friday, July 28:                  Two qualifying sessions at 3:15 & 6:45
p.m.

Saturday, July 29:              Two qualifying sessions at 10:00 a.m. &
2:45 P.M.

            Sunday, July 30:                 Pre-race ceremonies
starting at 11:00 a.m.

                                                     First Round of
Eliminations at 12:00 noon

Television Coverage:

            Qualifying:

                        Saturday, July 29:    8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

            Eliminations:

                        Sunday, July 30:      8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

            NHRA2Day:

                        Sunday, July 30:      11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon

 

 (All times Eastern.  Please check your local listings for exact
broadcast times in your area.)