Chicago Pneumatic supporting racer Kurt Johnson last visited the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series winner’s circle in Pro Stock following the Phoenix event in February 2007. With a 6.631-second, 209.30 mph pass in the finals, Johnson ended his 14-month winless streak on Sunday at the O’Reilly Midwest Nationals.
Johnson brought the win home to the Johnson camp despite his father, Warren Johnson, not qualifying for the 16-car field at the Gateway International Raceway outside of St. Louis.
Due to weather conditions on Sunday that varied greatly from Saturday, the Pro Stock class experienced some bizarre car reactions and even malfunctions during the first rounds of competition on Sunday afternoon. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Johnson completed consistent passes in every round in his ACDelco Chevrolet Cobalt. His steady efforts resulted in a trip to the finals where he defeated Dave Connolly.
Throughout the day, Johnson’s opponents were Todd Hoerner in the opening round, defending series champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. in the second, V. Gaines in the semi-finals and Connolly in the finals. Sunday’s win marked Johnson’s 37th career win and his third win at Gateway International Raceway.
The POWERade Drag Racing Series’ next event is the O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn., May 16-18.
Chicago Pneumatic (CP) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-performance tools, hydraulic attachments, industrial and portable compressors and associated accessories and workshop equipment. Since 1901, The CP brand has served the Vehicle Service, Construction and Industrial marketplace.
