Sun, May 31, 06:57 PM Warren Over Kurt in Johnson vs. Johnson Match

Courtesy of Rick Voegelin Fram Route 66 Nationals

JOLIET, Ill. - WARREN JOHNSON, 54, defeated his son KURT JOHNSON, 35, in the second round of eliminations today at the Route 66 Nationals. Warren's GM Goodwrench Service Plus Pontiac ran 7.029/196.87 to Kurt's 7.096/195.34 in his ACDelco Camaro. It was the first intramural race of the season for the Johnsons, and the 31st time the two have raced since Kurt started driving in 1993. The box score now stands at 22 wins for Warren and 9 for Kurt.

"When you lose lane choice and qualify in the wrong place on the ladder, you have to expect a day like this," Kurt commented. "If I had qualified just five thousandths quicker, I would have moved up four spots on the qualifying sheet and I wouldn't have raced Dad in the second round. At least we gained some ground on the drivers who were ahead of us in the points standings.

"We're still experimenting with a new clutch, and it just blew the tires off on the starting line. We softened the setup after the first round to compensate for the heat and sun on the track today, but it actually spun the tires harder when I raced the Old Man."

WARREN JOHNSON, the Pro Stock points leader coming into the Route 66 Nationals, is making a big move in the championship race today. The five drivers behind him in the standings are all out of contention.

"This could be a very productive weekend," said Warren. "The track is developing a bald spot on the starting line, which is to be expected with relatively new concrete. With all of the cars running here, their rear tires are buffing the textured surface smooth. It's nothing unusual; we'll have to deal with similar conditions from now through the U.S. Nationals.

"The tailwind is having an effect, too. We're increasing the downforce with the spoiler to keep the rear tires on the ground at the finish line. That's why we're not running a lot of speed here."



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