Fri, 1 Feb 2008, 09:10 PM Johnson Leads Qualifying After Day One

By Rob Geiger Photo copyright 2008 Auto Imagery, Inc.

LAS VEGAS --

Kurt Johnson

Pro Stock veteran Kurt Johnson used the quickest and fastest pass in track history Friday afternoon to top the provisional qualifying field for the third annual Pontiac Showdown at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Johnson's 6.687 at 206.16 mph in his ACDelco Chevrolet Cobalt made him the early favorite to win the preseason test race and shows his off-season work is already paying dividends.

A total of 19 Pro Stock racers attempted passes during Friday's three qualifying sessions. Everyone will have one more chance to improve on their posted time before an official field is set for the Pontiac Showdown, which will be contested Saturday afternoon. Then it's off to Pomona, Calif., Feb. 7-10, for the season-opening 48th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

"This ACDelco Cobalt hadn't been on the track before so we're naturally pleased with today's results," Johnson said. "You try to pay attention to all the details back at the shop but you really don't know where you stand until you let the clutch out. It is extremely early but it did exactly what we wanted it to. Everything worked, it was smooth and stable, it went straight, and best of all, it was fast. After one day we couldn't be happier."

Reigning series champion Jeg Coughlin was second in his Jegs.com Chevrolet Cobalt, running a 6.701 at 205.44 mph in the same car he collected his third Pro Stock title in three months ago. Coughlin reports that the chassis may be the same but much has changed since he took home the hardware.

"We're starting the season with the same chassis but aside from the basic framework, the car is totally new," Coughlin said. "From the killer yellow and black paint on the exterior to every inch of wiring inside, the entire piece has been rebuilt from top to bottom and front to back. "It was a total team effort this winter from everyone within Victor Cagnazzi Racing. Todd Bevis and his crew took the car and the chassis and figured out how to lighten it by 25 pounds. They have really designed a unique piece, unlike anything out there, and it clearly is a very fast racecar."

Under the direction of Tom Martino, Ron Krisher looked sporty in his Valvoline Cobalt with a best of 6.711 at 204.23 mph. Vegas' most prolific Pro Stocker, Greg Anderson, was fourth with a 6.720 at 205.51 mph. Allen Johnson had the quickest Dodge with a fifth-best 6.721 at 204.60 mph in his J&J Racing Stratus.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, the gates will open at 8 a.m. and the first 1000 spectators will receive a complimentary Pontiac Motorsports cap. There will be a final round of Pro Stock qualifying at 10 a.m. and the 16-car eliminator will begin at 1 p.m. Sportsman and all Pro categories will be testing throughout the day. On Sunday, Feb. 3, open testing for all categories will begin at 8 a.m. You can watch the first three rounds of qualifying by clicking on the links below:

Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown Q1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJPkquAXBHM

Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown Q2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZAc-my-zmk

Pontiac Pro Stock Showdown Q3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QmZbxcTO4g