FUNNY CAR’S TOMMY JOHNSON JR. EYES CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT AT CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS

CHANDLER Ariz. — Tommy Johnson Jr.’s first full-time season in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series since 2008 proved to be a rousing success in 2014. Jumping back into the highly-competitive Funny Car ranks, Johnson finished third in points and is now ready for more in 2015.

After making steady progress and noticeable improvement throughout a strong 2014 season, Johnson could be ready to take the next step in the world championship hunt.

Johnson qualified second to open the 2015 campaign in Pomona and knows his 10,000-horsepower Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T is capable of performing at championship level. His next chance to prove that comes this weekend at the 31st annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

“We had a really good weekend in Pomona,” Johnson said. “The results didn’t show how great of a weekend it was, but we were very encouraged as far as momentum and gaining confidence on how our car is going to perform this year. We made some really good runs, and that is a just a sign of what’s to come. Our Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger is going to be one of the cars to beat if we just keep this up.”

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 circuit. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car) and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2.

As Johnson got more comfortable in his Charger, impressive results followed, including a victory at Bristol that was his first visit to the winner’s circle since 2007. He performed well in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, taking a runner-up finish in Reading and advancing to two semifinals, finishing only behind reigning champion Matt Hagan and Funny Car icon John Force.

Those performances have carried over to 2015 where Johnson and his talented team, led by crew chief John Collins, are locked in. He lost a thrilling second-round matchup to Robert Hight in Pomona, running as quick as 4.018 during the weekend, which has Johnson fully confident his team is on the cusp of a winning combination.

“Nothing will change for us going into Phoenix,” Johnson said. “We’re just very pleased with everything and we can’t wait to get there so that we can build on what we did last week in Pomona and then go from there.”

The CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals also has added meaning for Johnson because his sponsor, Make-A-Wish, is headquartered in Phoenix. By way of that sponsorship, Johnson has grown extremely close to the association, which would make a strong Phoenix performance that much sweeter.

“We’ve made so many friends in the past year being associated with this great foundation thanks to our sponsor Terry Chandler,” Johnson said. “It’s really something to have Make-A-Wish and all of the Wish Kids cheering on their car.”

Johnson will have to knock off a strong list of stars in Funny Car, including DeJoria who is going after her second straight win at the track. Reigning Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan is off to a quick start after winning in Pomona, while John Force has eight career wins at the track. Other top standouts include three-time Phoenix winners Jack Beckman and Capps, two-time winner Del Worsham and Funny Car’s winningest female Courtney Force.

Johnson has had success in Phoenix, winning in 2006, and the 10-time winner hopes to add to his career collection at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

“I would love nothing more than to have a great performance and hopefully a win in front of our friends from Make-A-Wish headquarters and the Wish Kids who will be out there with us that weekend,” said Johnson, whose 10 career victories are split between eight in Funny Car and two in Top Fuel.

One year ago Brown claimed victory at Phoenix, the first of six wins on the season in Top Fuel. That was the most for the class in 2014, but it was Tony Schumacher, who has four Phoenix wins, who claimed the world championship. Three-time winner Larry Dixon, 2001 winner Doug Kalitta, Spencer Massey, rookie of the year Richie Crampton, Pomona winner and 2013 world champ Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force and second place points finisher J.R. Todd also all figure to be in the running in Phoenix.

Reigning Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders-Stevens won at Phoenix in 2013 and will be looking to open her championship defense in style. Jason Line, a two-time world champ and 2012 Phoenix winner who also won in Pomona to kick off 2015, is among the top challengers in Pro Stock, which also includes four-time world champ Greg Anderson, Gray Motorsports teammates Shane Gray and Jonathan Gray, 2014 Phoenix winner Allen Johnson and last season’s runner-up V Gaines.

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.

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 884-NHRA (6472) or visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.

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CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS FACT SHEET

WHAT: 31st annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, the second of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock – earn points leading to 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler, Ariz. Track is located off Interstate 10 at exit 162. Follow the signs.

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Feb. 20-22

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Feb. 20 – LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, Feb. 21- LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations

MELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, Feb. 22 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.

MELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.

TELEVISION:

Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 will televise two hours of qualifying coverage at 1 a.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 will re-air two hours of qualifying coverage at 6 p.m. (ET).

Sunday, Feb. 22, ESPN2 will televise three hours of eliminations coverage at 8 p.m. (ET).

2014 EVENT WINNERS: Antron Brown, Top Fuel; Alexis DeJoria, Funny Car; Allen Johnson, Pro Stock

MOST VICTORIES: John Force, FC- 8; Bob Glidden, PS- 5; Tony Schumacher, TF- 4; Jack Beckman, FC- 3; Kenny Bernstein, TF-FC- 3; Antron Brown, TF-3; Ron Capps, FC-3; Larry Dixon, TF- 3; Cory McClenathan, TF- 3;Darrell Alderman, PS- 3; Kurt Johnson, PS- 3; Warren Johnson, PS- 3.

TRACK RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.733 sec. by Doug Kalitta, Feb. ’13; 329.91 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. ’13.

Funny Car – 3.990 sec. and 317.79 mph by John Force, Feb. ’14.

Pro Stock – 6.498 sec. and 213.77 mph by Mike Edwards, Feb. ’13.

NATIONAL RECORDS:

Top Fuel – 3.701 sec. by Antron Brown, Oct. ‘12, Reading, Pa.; 332.18 mph by Spencer Massey, April ’12, Charlotte, N.C.

Funny Car – 3.965 sec. and 324.12 mph by John Force, Feb. ’14, Pomona, Calif.

Pro Stock – 6.464 sec. and 215.55 mph by Erica Enders-Stevens, May ‘14, Englishtown N.J.

TICKETS: For tickets call (800) 884-NHRA (6472). Tickets also available online at www.NHRA.com/tickets.

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NHRA MELLO YELLO DRAG RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHP POINTS STANDINGS

POMONA, Calif. — Point standings (top 10) following the first of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel: 1. Shawn Langdon, 124; 2. Antron Brown, 92; 3. Spencer Massey, 78; 4. Larry Dixon, 73; 5. Richie Crampton, 59; 6. Doug Kalitta, 56; 7. Steve Torrence, 54; 8. Leah Pritchett, 52; 9. Tony Schumacher, 36; 10. Brittany Force, 33.

Funny Car: 1. Matt Hagan, 107; 2. Ron Capps, 94; 3. Del Worsham, 74; 4. Robert Hight, 73; 5. Courtney Force, 61; 6. Tommy Johnson Jr., 60; 7. John Hale, 51; 8. Bob Bode, 46; 9. John Force, 40; 10. Cruz Pedregon, 38.

Pro Stock: 1. Jason Line, 123; 2. Drew Skillman, 97; 3. Erica Enders-Stevens, 81; 4. Rodger Brogdon, 80; 5. Chris McGaha, 55; 6. Larry Morgan, 54; 7. (tie) Shane Gray, 52; Allen Johnson, 52; 9. (tie) Greg Anderson, 34; Vincent Nobile, 34.