Allen Johnson Plans to Put Top Half Qualifying Spot to Good Use on Raceday at Sonoma Nationals

SONOMA, Calif. (July 29, 2017) – At most racetracks on the circuit, having lane choice during eliminations is of utmost importance for raceday success and Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing’s Allen Johnson will start his raceday from the top half at the 30th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals.

On Friday, Johnson began qualifying at Sonoma Raceway with a solid 6.593-second pass at 210.05 mph. As the temperatures dropped for the evening session, Johnson and crew chief Adam Hornberger capitalized on cooler conditions and bettered their performance with a 6.581, 210.64.

Saturday, the first session of the day proved to be difficult for teams to get any power to hold on the racetrack but Johnson proved why he has had so much success in the Pro Stock class when he was one of the only cars to get down the track with a stout 6.584, 211.03. Johnson closed out qualifying with his quickest of the weekend so far – 6.578, 210.41.

“Our Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing team is trying some new things for our long-term performance right now,” Johnson said. “I think we have a chance at it tomorrow if we can execute and get a few lucky breaks our way. In the last session today, we were only a little over one hundredth of a second behind them and that’s the closest we’ve been all year.”

No. 8 Johnson will have lane choice over No. 9 Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the first round.

“When you have a matchup against Jeg first round, it’s going to be a tuner and driver combination that will win,” he added. “He can be tough on the tree and usually runs well. I will go up there and plan to be 20 or better on the tree. The stuff we are trying is paying dividends so I think we can do well tomorrow.”

Allen Johnson’s Tenacious Spirit is Main Motivator to Succeed in Sonoma

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (July 25, 2017) – Perseverance. This word can be used to describe the 2012 Pro Stock World Champion team that goes to battle week in and week out with Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing’s Allen Johnson at the helm. This week is no different as they make their way to Sonoma, California for the 30th annual NHRA Sonoma Nationals held at Sonoma Raceway. Continue reading Allen Johnson’s Tenacious Spirit is Main Motivator to Succeed in Sonoma →

Allen Johnson Leaves the Mountain with Head Held High After Close First Round Race

DENVER, Co. (July 23rd, 2017) – Fans came from far and wide to see the spectacle that is racing on the mountain at Bandimere Speedway and Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson was just happy to be a small part of it all.

Johnson came into raceday in the No. 6 spot, his second highest qualifying position of the 2017 season. In his 494th raceday start in his illustrious 20-year career, Johnson had a first round matchup and lane choice over current points leader Bo Butner. Continue reading Allen Johnson Leaves the Mountain with Head Held High After Close First Round Race →

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

Allen Johnson: History at Bandimere Speedway
AJ is tied with Bob Glidden for most wins at Bandimere Speedway at the Mile High Nationals (7 wins)
The Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart qualified No. 10 in 2016 and overcame all odds to outperform the entire Pro Stock class and ink his 10th final round at the event in a row and the 11th of his career
AJ’s Bandimere Final Round History:
2002 Runner-Up to Mike Edwards
2007 Win over Ron Krisher
2008 Runner-Up to Greg Anderson
2009 Win over Jason Line
2010 Win over Jeg Coughlin Jr.
2011 Runner-Up to Mike Edwards
2012 Win over V. Gaines
2013 Win over V. Gaines
2014 Win over Jeg Coughlin Jr.
2015 Runner-Up to Larry Morgan
2016 Win over Vincent Nobile
Reigning King of the Mountain Allen Johnson Ready to Defend Title and Legacy at Mopar Mile High Nationals Continue reading Allen Johnson: History at Bandimere Speedway →

Allen Johnson Drives to Quarterfinal Finish, Bumps into Top 10 for First Time of Season

NORWALK, Ohio (June 25, 2017) – Allen Johnson drove the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the quarterfinal round of competition after taking out Chris McGaha in the first round of eliminations at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Johnson came into raceday in the No. 9 spot and had a first round matchup against Chris McGaha. When Johnson reacted at the launch with a strong .022-second reaction time, his win light was already turned on in his lane because McGaha turned on the red light by .012-seconds. Despite the red light, Johnson still crossed the finish line at Summit Motorsports Park first with a 6.627-second pass at 209.43 mph over McGaha’s 6.670, 208.91. Continue reading Allen Johnson Drives to Quarterfinal Finish, Bumps into Top 10 for First Time of Season →

Continuous Qualifying Improvement Brings Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Determination for Norwalk Raceday

NORWALK, Ohio (June 24, 2017) – In the most closely packed Pro Stock field in ages, Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson will take on the competition from the No. 9 spot at the 11th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park. Continue reading Continuous Qualifying Improvement Brings Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Determination for Norwalk Raceday →

Allen Johnson’s Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart Strengthening Performance Heading into Home Race

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (June 14, 2017) – There are only eight racetracks on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing circuit that Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing driver Allen Johnson has yet to win at and his home track of Bristol Dragway is one of them. With new found momentum, Johnson is ready to capitalize on their performance gains this weekend at the 17th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Johnson has been to the final round 59 times in his 20-year Pro Stock career and surprisingly, only one of those has been at Bristol Dragway back in 2012. He’s been the No. 1 qualifier at this event in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and it is more than possible for Johnson to outperform the competition this weekend and bring home the elusive Thunder Valley Nationals win once and for all. Continue reading Allen Johnson’s Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart Strengthening Performance Heading into Home Race →

Allen Johnson Takes Marathon Petroleum Dart to Quarterfinal Finish at NHRA Summernationals

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 11, 2017) – Allen Johnson drove the Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the quarterfinal round of competition after defeating Matt Hartford on raceday at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals.

First round, Johnson began raceday in his highest qualifying position of the season at No. 4 and had lane choice over Matt Hartford. Battling high track temperatures, the Pro Stock class knew it was a driver and tuner combination that would win each round of racing in Englishtown. Both competitors were almost identical off the tree and Johnson’s 6.637-second pass at 209.59 mph was enough to take out Hartford’s 6.645, 209.79. Continue reading Allen Johnson Takes Marathon Petroleum Dart to Quarterfinal Finish at NHRA Summernationals →

Allen Johnson Skyrockets Marathon Petroleum Co. Dodge Dart to No. 4 Spot

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 10, 2017) – What a weekend it has been for the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart team so far at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals. 2012 Pro Stock World Champion drove to his highest qualifying position of the season after only participating in three out of four sessions.

On Friday, Johnson clocked in with an honorable 6.640-second pass at 210.54 mph. Knowing they had more in it, the Adam Hornberger-led team finessed the tune-up and improved eight thousandths of a second in the evening session when he crossed the finish line with an impressive 6.567, 210.90. Continue reading Allen Johnson Skyrockets Marathon Petroleum Co. Dodge Dart to No. 4 Spot →

Allen Johnson Tapping into Past Englishtown Success for NHRA Summernationals

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (June 6, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson is ready to put the early exit at the New England Nationals in the rear-view mirror and redirect his focus to this weekend at the 48th annual NHRA Summernationals.

Johnson has been in the final round three times at this event and won in 2011 over Vincent Nobile. He always went on to be the No. 1 qualifier in 2006 and 2014. Continue reading Allen Johnson Tapping into Past Englishtown Success for NHRA Summernationals →

Allen Johnson Posts Season High No. 8 Qualifying Spot Heading into Raceday at New England Nationals

EPPING, N.H. (June 3, 2017) – The Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing team has really begun to hit their stride as of late. The red, white, and blue group is showing their true talent with a No. 8 qualifying spot at the Fifth annual NHRA New England Nationals.

Allen Johnson began his quest to his highest qualifying spot of the season on Friday at New England Dragway with a solid 6.562-second pass at 211.10 mph placing him in the No. 5 spot. Johnson bettered his performance in the second session on Friday evening with a 6.551, 211.43.

Saturday, Johnson remained consistent when he drove his Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart to a 6.552, 210.77 and with a .975-second 60-foot time, he was second fastest to the 60-foot mark. Where starting line advantages and quick 60-foot times are crucial, the performance was a definite confidence booster. Continue reading Allen Johnson Posts Season High No. 8 Qualifying Spot Heading into Raceday at New England Nationals →

Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Primed for Return to Victory Lane at New England Nationals

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (May 30, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson is heading back to New England Dragway this weekend. The Epping, New Hampshire-based track has brought much success for Johnson; he has been in the final round three times since the inaugural event in 2013. Continue reading Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Primed for Return to Victory Lane at New England Nationalsen Johnson Primed for Return to Victory Lane at New England Nationals →

Team Marathon Petroleum Makes Big Jump in Performance in Topeka, Hopeful About Upcoming Four-In-A-Row

TOPEKA, Kans. (May 21, 2017) – Allen Johnson drove his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the quarterfinals on raceday at the 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals.

No. 10 Johnson had a first round matchup against No. 5 Matt Hartford. Only two hundredths apart between their qualifying positions, Johnson knew if he could do his job at the starting line, there was a very good chance at inking his 451st round win of his career. Continue reading Team Marathon Petroleum Makes Big Jump in Performance in Topeka, Hopeful About Upcoming Four-In-A-Row →

Allen Johnson Closing in On Field at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals

TOPEKA, Kans. (May 20, 2017) – Allen Johnson powered the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the No. 10 position after three rounds of qualifying at the 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals.

On Friday, it was all but considered a wash-out as Mother Nature lingered overhead with dark clouds and persistent rain all throughout the afternoon. With a brief break in the storms, the NHRA Safety Safari was able to dry the track in record time and Pro Stock was able to make one run. Johnson crossed the finish line at Heartland Park Topeka with a 6.697-second pass at 206.13 mph. Continue reading Allen Johnson Closing in On Field at the Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals →

Allen Johnson Knows Importance of Performance at Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (May 16, 2017) – If there was one word to describe Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing driver Allen Johnson’s season, it’d be progress. He is hoping to take that progress and ink his first victory of the season at this weekend’s 29th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka.

“It’s getting to the part of the season where it’s very important to do well,” Johnson said. “We’ve made a few more gains this past week on the dyno so we’re hoping our performance may be just a little better than it was in Atlanta. It’d be nice to get lane choice for first round and start winning some rounds.” Continue reading Allen Johnson Knows Importance of Performance at Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals →

Allen Johnson Rockets Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart to Season High No. 9 at NHRA Southern Nationals

COMMERCE, Ga. (May 6, 2017) – Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart team have smiles from ear to ear after qualifying a season high No. 9 at the 37th annual NHRA Southern Nationals.

After qualifying got cancelled before any runs were made at Atlanta Dragway on Friday for the Pro Stock class, Johnson knew capitalizing on Saturday’s qualifying would be crucial. Continue reading Allen Johnson Rockets Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart to Season High No. 9 at NHRA Southern Nationals →

Team Marathon Petroleum Race Preview: NHRA Southern Nationals

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2017) – Allen Johnson took home the win at Atlanta Dragway fifteen years ago in 2002 and he can’t think of a better time to bring his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart all the way to the winner circle once again.

The 37th annual NHRA Southern Nationals is the seventh of 24 races in the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series and as of the last two races, Johnson has found some major performance gains in their engine department. Continue reading Team Marathon Petroleum Race Preview: NHRA Southern Nationals →

Allen Johnson Makes Best Run of Season at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Heading to Atlanta with Progress Made

CONCORD, N.C. (April 30, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson fell in the first round of eliminations at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals but the team is looking to next weekend’s race in Atlanta with fresh eyes and a positive outlook on their current race setup.

Johnson qualified No. 12 and had a first round quad against Chris McGaha, Jason Line, and Alan Prusiensky. Johnson improved his qualifying time by over four-thousandths in the first round when he clocked in with a 6.612-second pass at 209.26 mph. The Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing team made great improvements in that round but Johnson not able to advance to the second round over McGaha’s 6.601, 210.24 and Line’s 6.594, 210.67.

“That’s the closest we’ve run to the field all season,” Johnson said. “If we can qualify like that, we can get a better spot on the ladder and that’ll give us a better draw on raceday. We’ve had a lot of progress this weekend and I’m tickled to death. This weekend was definitely a step in the right direction.”