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08-05-2008, 04:53 PM
<img src="http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/OutlawPics/AJ661.jpg" align="left" borders="0" width="275" height="194"> Allen Johnson seeks to keep streak burning at Brainerd

(8-5-2008) BRAINERD, MN – During the NHRA Western Swing, Team Mopar driver Allen Johnson posted back-to-back runner-up finishes (Mopar Mile-High Nationals and Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals) as well as a quarterfinals finish (Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals). Johnson will attempt to nourish his recent momentum with a strong performance at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway on August 7-10.

Johnson posted a 7-3 round record during the Western Swing and his Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus R/T team captured the points lead in the NHRA Pro Stock Full Throttle Pit Crew Championship. Johnson has also moved from seventh to fifth in the Pro Stock standings. They're looking forward to the brief return home between the Western Swing and Brainerd.

"It's big to have a break to recharge your batteries, especially for our crew," said Johnson. "They haven't been home in about six weeks [dating back to the NHRA Englishtown event]. It wasn't much of a break, though. We tested earlier this week, so it was very short down time. The boys were right back at it."

Johnson has yet to officially clinch a spot in the NHRA Countdown to One, a six-race playoff between the top 10 in Pro Stock points set to commence following the U.S. Nationals on Labor Day weekend in Indianapolis. With just three races remaining before the Countdown cut, Johnson has an eye on clinching a Countdown berth and another on preparing his set up for when the Countdown begins.

"These next three races are really critical," said Johnson. "We have to learn to be consistent and focus on winning, not just qualifying well. That's our focus, just getting in a good stride as we get ready for the Countdown. Dad [Roy Johnson, Allen's engine builder and father] has really been giving me some awesome engines to work with. The Mopar HEMI power plants have been great recently, just making a ton of horsepower."

Johnson Stats

* Posted two back-to-back runner-up finishes (Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals and Schuck's Auto Supply NHRA Nationals in July 2008)

* Currently fifth in the NHRA Pro Stock standings

* Banked $50,000 with the K&N Horsepower Challenge bonus event win (June 2008 NHRA stop in Norwalk, Ohio) - recorded a perfect .000 reaction time to beat Greg Anderson

* Johnson's J&J Racing team leads the points standings in the NHRA Pro Stock Full Throttle Pit Crew Championship

* Qualified in the top half of the field in 13 of 15 2008 NHRA POWERade events to date

* Advanced to at least the quarterfinals in 12 of 15 2008 NHRA POWERade events to date

* Appeared in 14 career final rounds

* Claimed his fourth career No. 1 qualifier award at the 2008 Phoenix event

* Has a 17-15 round win record through 15 events

* Finished fourth in the 2007 NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points standings

* One of four Pro Stock drivers to qualify in inaugural NHRA Countdown to 1 title playoff

* Captured his 5th-career win at the 28th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals in July 2007

* Posted two runner-up finishes in 2007

For more information about Team Mopar, J&J Racing and Allen Johnson visit www.allenjohnson.com.

Photo courtesy of Auto Imagery Inc. (http://www.autoimagery.com/)

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