Allen Johnson’s Captivating Driving Performance Advances Marathon Dart to Final Round at U.S. Nationals

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 5, 2016) – Allen Johnson raced to his 59th final round of his career at the 62nd annual U.S. Nationals this weekend at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. On his way to the finals, he defeated Drew Skillman, Greg Anderson and Shane Gray.

In the first round, No. 7 Johnson had lane choice over No. 10 Drew Skillman. Johnson bolted off the starting line with a .012-second reaction time and with that starting line advantage, it was enough to take the holeshot victory over Skillman; Johnson clocked in with a 6.668-second pass at 206.83 against Skillman’s 6.666, 208.65.

For second round, Johnson knew another starting line advantage would be crucial in beating Greg Anderson. Johnson bettered his first round reaction time with a .009-second start and with .035-second advantage, his 6.683, 207.21 turned on the win light over Anderson’s quicker but losing 6.655, 207.91.

In the semifinals, Johnson had tough competition in opponent Shane Gray. Johnson once again took control at the starting line and drove past Gray at the finish line on a holeshot win; Johnson clocked in with a 6.701, 206.35 against Gray’s 6.673, 208.17 and earned his third holeshot win of the day.

As the remaining Mopar driver at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, he wanted nothing more than to defeat a Chevrolet-powered car in the finals. Johnson and Chris McGaha left the line and Johnson ran a consistent 6.715, 207.08 but he wasn’t able to advance to the winner circle over McGaha’s 6.688, 207.15.

“We had a ball at Indy this year,” Johnson beamed despite a final round loss. “We have momentum on our side and I can’t wait to battle for the Countdown. Our Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dart is lookin’ good just in time for the Countdown.”