KJ Powers to a Runner-Up Finish in Columbus
Contact: Jon Knapp
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
ACDelco Driver Kurt Johnson added another page to his NHRA resume on Sunday, becoming the first Pro Stock driver to make a final round appearance with the new Chevrolet Cobalt during the final eliminations of the Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
After qualifying second, Johnson used a very consistent performance to eliminate Kenny Koretsky and Richie Stevens in the opening rounds. The final obstacle between KJ and his first final round appearance of the 2005 season was No. 11 qualifier Jason Line. Using another solid 6.750-second, 204.48 mph run, Johnson trailered Line to reach the second championship round of his career at National Trail Raceway.
Facing rival Greg Anderson in the final without lane choice, Johnson knew he would need a nearly perfect run to score the 29th win of his career. Although he posted his best reaction time of the day to leave in conjunction with his opponent, KJ's solid 6.787-second, 204.20 mph pass fell just shy of overcoming his opponent’s 6.737-second pass.
"The track temperature went down twenty degrees before the final, and even though we tried to compensate for it, we were still a little light in our clutch setting, and it cost us. That's one area of our program that has show inconsistency throughout the year, so we will go back to our proven set-up for the next race.
"Even so, this was a great weekend. In three races with our new ACDelco Cobalt, we've gone to a final and two semifinals, and climbed five spots in the points. We're getting closer. The car just keeps getting better, and with enough clutch it could have won today. Unfortunately, it just wasn't our day, so we'll take everything we've learned this weekend to Topeka and see if we can take that final step into the winner's circle."
TMG Sports Marketing, Inc.
ACDelco Driver Kurt Johnson added another page to his NHRA resume on Sunday, becoming the first Pro Stock driver to make a final round appearance with the new Chevrolet Cobalt during the final eliminations of the Pontiac Performance NHRA Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
After qualifying second, Johnson used a very consistent performance to eliminate Kenny Koretsky and Richie Stevens in the opening rounds. The final obstacle between KJ and his first final round appearance of the 2005 season was No. 11 qualifier Jason Line. Using another solid 6.750-second, 204.48 mph run, Johnson trailered Line to reach the second championship round of his career at National Trail Raceway.
Facing rival Greg Anderson in the final without lane choice, Johnson knew he would need a nearly perfect run to score the 29th win of his career. Although he posted his best reaction time of the day to leave in conjunction with his opponent, KJ's solid 6.787-second, 204.20 mph pass fell just shy of overcoming his opponent’s 6.737-second pass.
"The track temperature went down twenty degrees before the final, and even though we tried to compensate for it, we were still a little light in our clutch setting, and it cost us. That's one area of our program that has show inconsistency throughout the year, so we will go back to our proven set-up for the next race.
"Even so, this was a great weekend. In three races with our new ACDelco Cobalt, we've gone to a final and two semifinals, and climbed five spots in the points. We're getting closer. The car just keeps getting better, and with enough clutch it could have won today. Unfortunately, it just wasn't our day, so we'll take everything we've learned this weekend to Topeka and see if we can take that final step into the winner's circle."
posted by David @ 9:31 PM
<< Home