Posted on 06/10/2006 8:51:38 AM PDT by Loud Mime
Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. covered Route 66 Raceway in 4.672 seconds Friday night to highlight a very quick opening day of racing at the ninth annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. The $1.9 million race is the 10th of 23 on the $50 million POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Johnson's pass was his best ever and the third quickest in class history. Richie Stevens also earned high praise for posting a 6.635 at 207.40 mph, the second quickest Pro Stock pass ever. Top Fuel's reigning champion Tony Schumacher continues to qualify well, carding a 4.484 at 329 mph to lead Top Fuel, while Chip Ellis teased the Pro Stock Motorcycle world with a track record 7.015.
Tommy Johnson Jr. Johnson could break a five and a half-year drought if his 4.672 at 328.70 mph in Funny Car keeps him in the No. 1 position through Saturday's final two qualifying sessions. Johnson last recorded a low qualifier at the first Pomona race in 2001, his initial event with Skoal and Don Prudhomme Racing. T.J.'s elapsed time was the third quickest ever and a personal best. The last time Chevy led Funny Car was at the fall Chicago race in 2005.
"I knew that was a good pass but I didn't know it was that good," Johnson said. "I had to drive it around quite a bit down there. My radio wasn't working and when I came around the corner they held up a No. 1 so I knew then it was quick. But when they said 4.67, I was like, 'What did you say?' I couldn't believe it.
Tommy Johnson is married to Melanie Troxel; it's time for him to get some points on the track!
There were no top fuel results posted yet. Here's the TV lineup:
Next National Event show:
CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals
Joliet, IL
6/10/2006 Qualifying
5:00:00 PM-7:00:00 PM (ET) ESPN2
6/11/2006 Eliminations
5:00:00 PM-7:00:00 PM (ET) ESPN2
6/14/2006 Repeat Eliminations
3:00:00 AM-5:00:00 AM (ET) ESPN2
and a note to you all:
In July I'm considering doing a funny car special, with pix of the old originals, from Brutus, Mr. Norms, Don Gay's and other cars. I'd welcome your input - Steve
If you are ever driving through Florida, be sure to drop by to see Don Garlit's museums in Ocala. He seems to have a lot of everything. I was shocked to see one of the original Bean Bandits cars as it was a rare So Cal club that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Plus so many Swamp Rats to peruse.
WOW, at this speed, a mile in 18.68 seconds, this means he could drive from LA to San Francisco in 20 minutes and 34 seconds. That would be a trip.
Or would it be longer since he was going 328 MPH? Inquiring Minds want to know.
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