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NHRA: Johnson hopes to keep Pro Stock winning streak going this weekend

16 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

BRAINERD, Minn. - Kurt Johnson isn't exactly sure why he's currently the guy in NHRA Pro Stock competition.

Johnson has scored recent victories in Denver and Sonoma, Calif., and posted a semifinal appearance at Seattle. His 10 round wins was the most in his category during the West Coast Swing.

In a season that can so far be sliced into two sections, Johnson is rapidly creating a third.

The Lawrenceville, Ga. driver will try to keep the momentum going at the 19th annual Colonel's Truck Accessories NHRA Nationals, Aug. 17-20 at The Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway, just north of metropolitan Minneapolis. The $1.8 million race is the 16th of 23 events in the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series.

Jeg Coughlin Jr. jumped out to the lead early in the season with a dominating performance that included six victories. The Columbus, Ohio driver's run was followed by the emergence of a relative unknown -- Ron Krisher -- who scored two victories and four top qualifying efforts in a surge to the front of the standings.

And now it's Johnson's time. The AC Delco Chevy Camaro driver is hitting his stride at the right time. He's currently fourth in the Winston point standings, but closing fast. He's three points behind his third place father, Warren Johnson, and 60 back of second place Krisher.

"Nothing lasts forever," said Johnson, a winner at the Brainerd quarter-mile in 1997. "Jeg had his time, Krisher had his time. We can all do well as long as we make some good decisions as far as track conditions and atmospheric conditions. When everything changes, we have to make changes. Maybe now we've got something to work with. It seems like it's good enough to win the race."

HAMMONDS NOT INTIMIDATED: Tom Hammonds was disappointed after jumping the start in his first round match with Kurt Johnson at the recent NHRA event at Sears Point Raceway. After qualifying 13th in the 16-car field, the forward for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, had a little bit of a quick release when the lights were set to turn green.

But did he make the error out of nerves? No.

Hammonds, who had not qualified for an event this season, says he didn't have butterflies when he was going against one of the hottest competitors in the category. He says at this point in his career - no matter what the sport -- he rarely gets psyched-out by the competition.

"I grew up playing basketball against Shaquille O'Neal, so I don't think I was intimidated," said Hammonds. "Instead of doing my normal staging process, I waited for him to stage and it threw me off my rhythm. The one thing I've learned in drag racing is that I'm not racing Kurt Johnson or anybody else out here. I'm racing myself and the track."

KRISHER'S CONFIDENCE RISING: Ron Krisher says the main difference between his racing operation today and one year ago is the feeling that when he needs performance, he has it. With two victories in three finals and four top qualifying efforts, Krisher is having the best season of his career. With no Winston top 10 finishes to his credit, Krisher sits second in points as the 2000 season enters its final stretch.

"I think it's a lot easier to drive now," Krisher said. "The confidence in my crew chief (Mike Edwards) and what goes on when I leave the pits helps my transition. I know I can make a good run. Now I know if I get in trouble that I can shut it off because I will have a good run the next time."

BIKES BACK IN ACTION: After a two-event break, Pro Stock Motorcycle competition resumes at Brainerd, Minn. Winston points leader Angelle Seeling, who has earned four victories this season on her Team Winston Suzuki, will try to hold back three-time Winston champion and BIR track record holder Matt Hines, a two-time winner this season. Hines, rider of the Eagle One Suzuki, is a three-time winner at BIR.

Craig Treble, from Chandler, Ariz., is the defending winner of the event. The Matco Tools Suzuki rider used a horsepower advantage to defeat Sunoco Suzuki rider Dave Schultz in last year's final round.

Text provided by Anthony Vestal

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