Team Marathon Petroleum No. 12 at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

CONCORD, N.C. (April 29, 2017) – Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson will head into raceday at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in the No. 12 position in his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart.

On Friday, Johnson hit zMAX DRAGWAY with a tune-up to see what the track would hold. The Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart launched a little too aggressively and he shook a little after the 60-foot mark; he coasted to a 12.005-second pass at 94.79 mph. The Adam Hornberger-led team came back in the second session on Friday and greatly improved with a 6.657, 208.33. Continue reading Team Marathon Petroleum No. 12 at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals →

Allen Johnson Hopeful About Performance Gains, Looking to Nab First Four-Wide Victory

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (April 25, 2017) – Performance gains couldn’t have come at a better time for Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing Dodge Dart team. In the second of three races in a row, Johnson is hoping to translate his performance momentum into round wins this weekend at the eighth annual NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

“We tested at zMAX Dragway two weeks ago,” Johnson said. “We should be able to use most of that data for this weekend and the track surface should be close to what it was when we were testing.” Continue reading Allen Johnson Hopeful About Performance Gains, Looking to Nab First Four-Wide Victory →

Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Finds Gremlins, Encouraged After SpringNationals

HOUSTON, Tex. (April 23, 2017) – Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart Pro Stock team may have not turned on the win light in the first round of eliminations, but perhaps they found something a little more important: the gremlin that has been plaguing their performance so far this season.

Johnson came into raceday as the No. 13 seed with his fastest pass during qualifying being a 6.645, 207.94. That granted him a first-round matchup against Bo Butner.

In the first round, Johnson bettered his best pass of the weekend by an outstanding eight-thousandths of a second. He crossed the finish line at Royal Purple Raceway with a 6.567, 211.16 but Butner’s 6.523, 213.33 advanced to the second round.

Despite being a first-round runner-up, Johnson left the 30th annual NHRA SpringNationals extremely optimistic and encouraged.

“We traded out everything electrical and fuel-related in the car,” Johnson said. “The win light might’ve not turned on in our lane but I feel really positive about the performance of my Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart in the first round. I think we found our gremlin!”

Allen Johnson Focused on SpringNationals For Season Turn-Around

HOUSTON, Tex. (April 22, 2017) – Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart team qualified No. 13 this weekend at the 30th annual NHRA SpringNationals.

In the first session on Friday, Johnson clocked in with a 6.656-second pass at 208.84 mph. The Adam Hornberger-led team returned for Friday’s session and crossed the finish line at Royal Purple Raceway with an almost identical 6.656, 208.46.

On Saturday, Johnson improved his qualifying position with a 6.645, 207.94. In the final qualifying session of the weekend, he had trouble at the launch and coasted to the finish line with a 13.028, 82.44. Continue reading Allen Johnson Focused on SpringNationals For Season Turn-Around →

Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Looking to Knock Houston Off His List

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (April 18, 2017) – Royal Purple Raceway is one of the tracks on Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing driver Allen Johnson’s short list of tracks he has yet to win at. The 2012 Pro Stock World Champion has been in the final round a total of three times in his career at Houston and he’s ready to capture his first win this weekend at the 30th annual NHRA SpringNationals.

“Houston is one of the tracks I haven’t won at yet and this Marathon Petroleum team is ready to take that one off the list this weekend,” Johnson said. Continue reading Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Looking to Knock Houston Off His List →

Allen Johnson Moving Forward with Tune-Up After Qualifying at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 1, 2017) – Allen Johnson drove his Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the No. 13 spot after four rounds of qualifying at the 18th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals.

On Friday, Johnson began qualifying at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a 7.127-second pass at 162.78 mph after they suffered a mechanical issue on their Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart GT. The Greeneville, Tenn.-native returned in the second session with an improved 6.749, 204.82. Continue reading Allen Johnson Moving Forward with Tune-Up After Qualifying at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals →

ALLEN JOHNSON
MARATHON PETROLEUM/J&J RACING DODGE DART
EVENT PREVIEW: 18TH ANNUAL DENSO SPARK PLUGS NHRA NATIONALS
THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
MARCH 31-APRIL 2

Two-time K&N Horsepower Challenge Winner Allen Johnson Set to Triumph as Lone Mopar in Las Vegas’ Bonus Race

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (March 28, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson is not unfamiliar with being the standalone Mopar competitor in Pro Stock in his 20-year racing career. When he first entered Pro Stock in 1996, he was the lone Mopar driver in competition for several years and this weekend is no different as he competes in this weekend’s double-header.

The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will offer two opportunities for victory for Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum team – the 18th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals and the prestigious K&N Filters Horsepower Challenge. Continue reading Allen Johnson– Las Vegas Advance →

Challenging Qualifying Brings Bright Spot for Allen Johnson in Marathon Petroleum Co. Dodge Dart

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 18, 2017) – Qualifying is complete at the 48th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals and the Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson is starting from the No. 11 seed, his highest of the 2017 season so far.

On Friday, Johnson brought his Dodge Dart to the starting line and squared the tires at the hit; he coasted to the finish line with a 13.879-second pass at 85.62 mph. He returned in Friday’s afternoon session with his Adam Hornberger-tuned car and they put the power to the track. Johnson launched with ease but the Dodge Dart made a hard left straight for the wall and Johnson was forced to push the clutch back in; he clocked in with a 9.838, 93.04. Continue reading Challenging Qualifying Brings Bright Spot for Allen Johnson in Marathon Petroleum Co. Dodge Dart →

Allen Johnson Heads to East to Second Home Track for New Beginning

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (March 14, 2017) – This week marks the third of 24 events on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing tour as Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing team head to Gainesville Raceway for the 48th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals. Dubbed his “second home track” after buying a home in the sunshine state a few years ago, Johnson is hoping home court advantage will come into play this weekend.

“We always look forward to coming to the east coast,” Johnson said. “We have our second home here and Gainesville Raceway is at sea-level; it’s like a new beginning.”

The stakes are high this weekend for the 2013 and 2014 Gatornationals Pro Stock winner because he will be competing for the event title while making sure he qualifies well enough to maintain his spot in the K&N Horsepower Challenge that will take place at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in two weeks. Currently, Johnson is in the No. 7 spot and if he accumulates enough points over No. 8 Chris McGaha, he will be added to the K&N Horsepower Challenge roster and the eighth spot will be decided by a fan vote.

“We’re going to need to qualify ahead of McGaha,” he added. “We’re shooting to get back into the middle of the pack this race and give ourselves a better starting position for raceday.”

Qualifying at the 48th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals begins on Friday, March 17th with two sessions at 12:45 and 4:15 p.m. (ET) Two more qualifying sessions will be on Saturday, March 18th at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. (ET) Eliminations will be on Sunday, March 19th at 11:00 a.m. (ET) starting with Top Fuel.

“We’ve spent the last two weeks at home working on engine stuff in our shop and going back to ‘home base’ with our Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart,” he said. “We’re trying some new stuff and we’re looking to do better in Gainesville.”

Allen Johnson No. 12 at NHRA Arizona Nationals

PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 25, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Co./J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson qualified No. 12 at the 33rd annual NHRA Arizona Nationals. The 2012 Pro Stock world champion came to Wild Horse Motorsports Park as a man on a mission with his eyes set on one goal: outperforming his competition on raceday.

On Friday, Johnson began qualifying with a solid 6.592-second pass at 209.62 mph. The popular Pro Stock competitor bettered his standings when he crossed the finish line with an improved 6.583, 209.36 in the second session. Continue reading Allen Johnson No. 12 at NHRA Arizona Nationals →

Allen Johnson Revved Up to Revive Momentum in Phoenix

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (February 20, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Corporation Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson returns to Wild Horse Motorsports Park this weekend for the 33rd annual NHRA Arizona Nationals. Johnson is well-acquainted with the winner circle in Phoenix and returning to the winner circle after an early exit at the season opener would be the exact catalyst for the momentum they’re seeking. Continue reading Allen Johnson Revved Up to Revive Momentum in Phoenix →

Allen Johnson Looking to Phoenix for Rebound Performance

POMONA, Calif. (February 12, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson will be putting the 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals in the rear-view mirror after a first round loss in eliminations. Although the early exit comes as a frustration, Johnson admits that there are things to be learned from this weekend at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Johnson began eliminations from the No. 13 seed and had a first round matchup against Shane Gray. Johnson staged his Marathon Petroleum/J&J racing Dodge Dart and matted the throttle. At the launch, Johnson’s red, white, and blue Pro Stocker made a hard left turn towards the centerline. Johnson dipped into his two decades worth of experience to try to recover and defeat Gray but when he car got out of shape a second time, Johnson knew it was time to push in the clutch. Johnson clocked in with an 8.845-second pass at 101.72 mph.

“It can only go up from here,” Johnson smirked. “We just went up there today really aggressive with our tune-up hoping something might happen and it just took a hard left. We’ve learned a lot this weekend on what doesn’t work and we’re looking to rebound in Phoenix.”

Allen Johnson Drives Marathon Petroleum Corporation Dart to No. 13 at Winternationals

POMONA, Calif. (February 11, 2017) – Allen Johnson drove his Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the No. 13 spot after qualifying action at the 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals.

In Friday’s first session, Johnson began the season with a solid 6.636-second pass at 207.94 mph. As rain clouds lingered overhead, the Greeneville, Tennessee-native returned for the Friday afternoon session and outran Mother Nature when he crossed the finish line with a 6.663, 207.66. Continue reading Allen Johnson Drives Marathon Petroleum Corporation Dart to No. 13 at Winternationals →

Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Sets Goals for Pomona, Assured for 2017 Season

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (February 7, 2017) – Marathon Petroleum Corporation/J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver Allen Johnson heads to Pomona, California this weekend for the season opening 57th annual Circle K NHRA Winternationals. The 2012 Pro Stock World Champion racer is eager to qualifying at Auto Club Raceway at Pomoma after testing at Wild Horse Motorsports Park.

“We’re excited to be testing and starting the new year out,” Johnson said. “Yesterday’s testing didn’t go as well as planned in our Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart but we’ve got a couple more days of testing before this weekend to get a good setup.”
The feeling surrounding Johnson and the Adam Hornberger-led team is in stark contrast to how they felt pulling into the gates at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona one year ago. Continue reading Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Sets Goals for Pomona, Assured for 2017 Season →

2016 Season Concludes, Allen Johnson Already Preparing for 2017

POMONA, Calif. (November 15, 2016) – The 2016 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series has come to a close for Allen Johnson and the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing team as of last night’s annual NHRA championship award ceremony.

Despite a first round loss this past weekend in Pomona, the 2016 season has seen many highlights for the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing team. The Adam Hornberger and Roy Johnson-led team has qualified in the top half of the field at 16 events and their brightest victory came when Johnson won his seventh event title at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in ten consecutive final round in Denver, Colorado.

“We had a few highlights this year,” Johnson said. “We finished the regular season No. 4 before the countdown started and that’s a positive. We just had some really bad luck during the countdown that put us behind the eight ball a little bit so we’ve been testing the last two races for next year. We’ll come back swinging in Pomona in a few months in our Marathon Petroleum Dodge Dart.”

The 2017 season is scheduled to begin at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on February 9-12, 2017.

ALLEN JOHNSON
MARATHON PETROLEUM/J&J RACING DODGE DART
QUALIFYING REPORT: 52ND ANNUAL AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS
AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA
NOVEMBER 11-13

Allen Johnson No. 10 After Qualifying at Auto Club NHRA Nationals

POMONA, Calif. (November 12, 2016) – Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson qualified No. 10 after four rounds of qualifying at the 52nd annual Auto Club NHRA Finals.

On Friday, Johnson opened up qualifying in his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart with a 6.612-second pass at 209.83 mph. He came back in the second session on Friday afternoon and jumped up the ladder when he crossed the finish line with an improved 6.601, 209.14. Continue reading Allen Johnson No. 10 After Qualifying at Auto Club NHRA Nationals →

Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Formulating Strategy to Defend Title at Auto Club NHRA Finals

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (November 7, 2016) – Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson returns to Auto Club Raceway at Pomona this weekend for the last race of the season. It’s hard to believe the Marathon Petroleum team was here nine months ago for the season opening race and Johnson is ready to defend his title as the Auto Club NHRA Finals Pro Stock winner after taking home the win at the end of the 2015 season. Continue reading Marathon Petroleum’s Allen Johnson Formulating Strategy to Defend Title at Auto Club NHRA Finals →

ALLEN JOHNSON
MARATHON PETROLEUM/J&J RACING DODGE DART
QUALIFYING REPORT: 16TH ANNUAL NHRA NATIONALS
THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
OCT. 28-30

Allen Johnson in Unfamiliar Bottom Half, Looking for Long Raceday in Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 29th, 2016) – Allen Johnson is starting his raceday efforts at the 16th annual NHRA Las Vegas Nationals in the No. 11 spot, a qualifying position that the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing team hasn’t seen in many races. Despite a bottom-half qualifying spot, the Marathon Petroleum team knows they have the equipment to get it done on raceday. Continue reading Allen Johnson in Unfamiliar Bottom Half, Looking for Long Raceday in Vegas →

NHRA Champion Allen Johnson, Marathon Petroleum Announce Extended Sponsorship Agreement

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 19, 2016) – National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racer Allen Johnson and Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) today announced an extended sponsorship agreement to continue their partnership into the 2017 season.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Marathon Petroleum, both on and off the track,” said Allen Johnson, racer and CEO of Johnson & Johnson Racing. “We learned much in 2016 as we improved our performance and adjusted to a new electronic fuel injection system. We’re excited to hit the track again in 2017, determined to bring home another championship.”

Johnson also owns Greenville Oil and Petroleum, which consists of 37 Quick Stop Markets and three Lube X-Press oil change facilities, all carrying the Marathon brand. “Allen and his racing team are excellent representatives of the Marathon brand, both on the track and in our industry,” said Bill McCleave, MPC brand marketing director. “We’re proud to extend our partnership and look forward to a successful season next year.”

Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Race Report: AAA FallNationals

DALLAS, Tex. (October 16, 2016) – Allen Johnson drove his Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart to the second round of eliminations at the 31st annual AAA FallNationals this weekend at Texas Motorplex.

Starting from the No. 7 spot, Johnson had the opportunity to choose his lane against first round opponent Kenny Delco. Johnson took the Marathon Petroleum Dart to the finish line with a 6.648-second pass at 207.66 mph and turned on the win light over Delco’s 6.683, 207.08.

Second round, Johnson and Greg Anderson matched up head-to-head. As Johnson launched, his car hooked to the left. He tried to recover but when he got close to hitting the wall, he had no other choice other than aborting the run. Johnson clocked in with a 7.762, 124.46 and Anderson’s 6.623, 208.91 advanced to the next round.

“The car pulled hard to the left and I couldn’t get it back into the groove,” Johnson said. “She was about to crash so I lifted.”

“We just can’t seem to get the monkey off our backs,” he added. “We’ll spend the final two races testing for next year and trying to learn some stuff. Of course, we’ll go to the last two and plan on winning both but we’ve got a heck of a long ways to get there.”