Never Say Never for Pro Stock World Champion Allen Johnson Heading into Final Race of Professional Career
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (November 8, 2017) – 2012 Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson is entering in his last official race in Pro Stock after an extraordinary 22-year career in the NHRA but admits that he has a “never say never” attitude about returning if the opportunity presented itself.
“I don’t have any plans of racing in Pro Stock in the future but I never say never,” Johnson said. “We’re probably gonna do some sportsman racing in the future here and there but you know, if someone called me and told me the field was short and they had an extra car for me to drive, I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it.”
This weekend’s 53rd annual Auto Club NHRA Finals marks his 504th race in Pro Stock and Auto Club Raceway at Pomona holds a lot of memories for the Marathon Petroleum/J&J Racing Dodge Dart driver.
“My favorite memory of racing in Pomona is when we won the championship in 2012,” he added. “To win those last three races that year and cap off the championship in Pomona has to be one of my favorite memories. I’m trying to be upbeat at this last race and just enjoy the friendships, fans, and atmosphere but to be honest, my retirement is starting to grip me a little bit emotionally and shoot, it’s hard.”
Qualifying at the 53rd annual Auto Club NHRA Finals will begin on Friday, November 10th with two qualifying sessions at 12:00 and 2:45 p.m. (PT). Two more qualifying sessions will begin on Saturday, November 11th at 12:00 and 2:45 p.m. (PT). Eliminations begin on Sunday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m.