PRO STOCK DRIVER ALLEN JOHSON BACK FOR MORE GOOD VIBES AT CARQUEST AUTO PARTS NHRA NATIONALS IN PHOENIX

CHANDLER Ariz. — 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.”

In Top Fuel, one year ago Brown raced to his first of six wins in the Valley of the Sun. That was the most for the class in 2014, but it was Tony Schumacher, who has four Phoenix wins, who claimed the world championship crown. Three-time winner Larry Dixon, 2001 winner 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.

In Funny Car, DeJoria claimed her first career victory at this event, becoming the fourth female driver to win a Funny Car event. She claimed two more victories during the season and will be one of the star attractions this weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Others to watch include reigning world champion Matt Hagan, eight-time Phoenix winner John Force, three-time Phoenix winners Jack Beckman and Ron Capps, two-time winner Del Worsham and Funny Car’s winningest female, Courtney Force.

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.