Entering the season with high hopes, 2012 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson didn’t have quite the 2015 opener he wanted at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona.
Based on recent history, Johnson could be ready for an impressive rebound this weekend at the 31st annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. A season ago, Johnson lost in the first round in Pomona and followed that up with the first of his four wins in 2014, knocking off V Gaines in the final round at the fan-favorite dragstrip near Phoenix.
After a second-round defeat this season in Pomona, Johnson wouldn’t mind a similar bounce back in Phoenix.
“It’s nice to go back to a track as a defending winner,” said Johnson, a two-time winner in Phoenix. “Last year’s win was to make up for a bad start I had at Pomona. We have tested at Phoenix this off season and I feel confident going into this weekend.”
The top drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will all head to Phoenix for the second of 24 races on the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Series circuit. Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car) joined Johnson as last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Johnson’s return to Phoenix will mark his first appearance at the track in his Magneti Marelli Dodge Dart after winning in 2014 at the controls of his Dodge Avenger. The new Dart has served him well as Johnson went to five final round appearances in the car, finishing sixth in points.
But Johnson struggled in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, only advancing past the second round in one of the six playoff races and going winless over the final 10 events following his usual domination in Denver. Johnson, though, feels his team, led by new crew chief Adam Hornberger, has regrouped in fine fashion and is ready for another championship pursuit in 2015.
“After making some changes in the off-season, so far in this new year I feel like the team communicates and works together very well,” Johnson said. “We may still have some growing to do, but it’s a long year until the Countdown starts and the Magneti Marelli crew guys will be ready. You have to keep it in perspective at the beginning with some new blood. The biggest thing is to build on the positives and work on the bad spots together. That will be the key for us this year.”
Nothing will come easy in a loaded Pro Stock class, which features reigning Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders-Stevens. She won at Phoenix in 2013 and will be looking to open her championship defense in style, but Jason Line, a two-time world champ and 2012 Phoenix winner, won in Pomona to get his 2015 season started strong in his Summit Racing Chevy Camaro.
Other top challengers who will try to prevent Johnson from repeating as the Pro Stock winner in Phoenix includes four-time world champ Greg Anderson, Gray Motorsports teammates Shane Gray and Jonathan Gray, rookie sensation Drew Skillman who was runner-up at Pomona, former Phoenix winner Vincent Nobile and Texan Chris McGaha.
Prior success at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is a big factor for Johnson, who insists he’ll take plenty of momentum into the event based on last year’s victory, even if it did come in a different car.
“Having success at a track just gives us even more confidence when we come back,” Johnson said. “Last year we won with in our last outing with the Avenger. It would be great to get a win here with the new Dodge Dart.”
As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and enjoy some cherished face time and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.
Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying begins Friday, Feb. 20, with sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22.
