Marathon Petroleum Racing Recap: 63rd annual U.S. Nationals

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 4, 2017) – Allen Johnson went to the quarterfinal round of eliminations today at the 63rd annual NHRA U.S. Nationals after defeating Johnny Gray in the first round.

After clinching his spot in the Countdown to the Championship during qualifying yesterday, the pressure was off for the 2012 Pro Stock World Champion to outperform competitors below him in the point standings. He came into raceday as the No. 10 seed and had a first round matchup against Johnny Gray.

Johnson staged his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart against Gray and the battle was on. Johnson clocked in with a 6.662-second pass at 207.05 mph and turned on the win light on against Gray’s 6.688, 207.18.

“That was a pretty good run down low and we’re just one hundredth behind the top car of the session,” Johnson laughed at the top end. “You know, we’re making good runs in the Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart and we’re going rounds here at the U.S. Nationals. “

The Greeneville, Tenn.-native found himself in a duel with Tanner Gray in the second round. Johnson ran a consistent 6.679, 206.89 in the Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart but Gray’s 6.669, 207.43 advanced to the semifinal round over Johnson.

Johnson’s next event will be the Carolina Nationals in two weeks at zMAX Dragway. Qualifying will begin on September 15, 2017 at 2:45 p.m. ET.