Allen Johnson Ready to Defend King of the Mountain Legacy on Raceday at Mopar Mile High Nationals

DENVER, Co. (July 22, 2017) – Defending Mopar Mile High Nationals Pro Stock winner and reigning King of the Mountain Allen Johnson knows he has a target on his back going into raceday at Bandimere Speedway in his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

On Friday, Johnson came into the weekend with a solid 6.959-second pass at 197.48 mph. After persistent rain showers, NHRA made the executive decision to eliminate the second session of the night due to the unfriendly racing weather conditions.

“I don’t think them taking out one session really hurt us at all,” Johnson admitted. “I thought it might actually work in our favor because we have data from our test session here last week but everyone has adjusted really quickly with the fuel injection. Everyone’s got a pretty good handle on it now.”

Saturday, Johnson slowed slightly to a 6.987, 197.48 in the second qualifying round. The 2012 Pro Stock World Champion closed out qualifying with an improved 6.965, 198.35 in the final session landing him in the No. 6 spot.

In his 494th race of his career, Johnson will have lane choice over current points leader Bo Butner in the first round.

“We’re used to having a target on our backs at this race,” he smiled. “Last year, we qualified tenth and still got it done so we gotta run every round by itself and this driver needs to do his job.”

“I’m enjoying this whole deal. It’s going to be tough to get it done tomorrow just like we knew it was going to be last year but it’s fun basking in this moment for the last 10 years. I’d like to think we’re building a legacy and I feel really good going into tomorrow.”