{"id":15705,"date":"2018-04-01T08:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-04-01T13:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=15705"},"modified":"2018-03-31T20:32:50","modified_gmt":"2018-04-01T01:32:50","slug":"defending-funny-car-winner-tommy-johnson-jr-excited-for-four-wide-racing-at-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-four-wide-nationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2018\/04\/01\/defending-funny-car-winner-tommy-johnson-jr-excited-for-four-wide-racing-at-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-four-wide-nationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Defending Funny Car winner Tommy Johnson Jr. excited for four-wide racing at DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/em><\/p>\n

LAS VEGAS \u2013 Already a fan of four-wide racing and running at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway<\/strong>, Funny Car\u2019s Tommy Johnson Jr.<\/strong> is excited to see what that means for him when those aspects are combined for the first time at the upcoming 19th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals<\/a>, April 6-8 in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Tommy Johnson. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

It is the debut of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series four-wide racing, one of the biggest spectacles in motorsports, on the West Coast, and Johnson, the defending winner of the Las Vegas spring race, is one of many who can\u2019t wait for the highly-anticipated race. Add in five career final round appearances at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Johnson believes something special could take place in his 10,000-horsepower Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R\/T Funny Car.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s neat to be part of a first event like this and it\u2019s going to be really cool,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThis will be a unique one. I\u2019ve heard from a lot of fans on the West Coast at the first two races who are excited to see four-wide racing for the first time. It really opens everybody\u2019s eyes when they see it. But there\u2019s tracks on tour that just seem to fit you and Vegas is that track. It\u2019s a fun race, fun town and a great facility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Johnson (Funny Car) and Tanner Gray (Pro Stock) were last year\u2019s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1, including finals coverage starting at 6 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, April 8. It is the fourth of 24 races during the 2018 NHRA season, providing fans out West the chance to see four 10,000-horsepower nitro machines go down the track simultaneously.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Tommy Johnson. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s a thrill unlike anything in drag racing and Johnson has always enjoyed the intricacies of the unique race, which also takes place in Charlotte at zMAX Dragway. With double the amount of cars, it presents new challenges and difficulties, but Johnson, currently sixth in Funny Car points, likes the extra elements of facing off with three other cars.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt definitely takes a lot more thinking as a driver because there\u2019s a lot more going on,\u201d said Johnson, who has 17 career wins. You have to have your act together and be aware of what\u2019s going on. Me, personally, I like it. It adds a new level of difficulty, but if you can overcome that and excel at it, it gives you an advantage. There\u2019s certain things you have to add to your routine just because of this event. It\u2019s just another level of having to remind yourself. You can easily fall back into habits that can really bite you.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a solid start to 2018 even as the team, led by crew chief John Collins, started using a new six-disc clutch set-up this season, reaching the final round in Phoenix and qualifying well at Gainesville. Johnson also knows what an early-season win can do for a team, especially in a loaded Funny Car class that features Don Schumacher Racing teammates Matt Hagan, the current points leader, Ron Capps and Gainesville winner Jack Beckman, as well as Phoenix winner Courtney Force, defending champ Robert Hight, Shawn Langdon, Del Worsham and Jonnie Lindberg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinning an event early really takes the pressure off,\u201d said Johnson, who finished a career-best second in 2016. \u201cIt allows you to do different things. We\u2019re still learning the six-disc, but we\u2019re making big progress. At Gainesville, we learned something very huge. We came into this season knowing we\u2019re going to be learning the first part of the season, but right now we\u2019re on a good track. I\u2019m happy with the progress we\u2019ve made and I think we\u2019re running better than maybe we would have expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brown earned his second straight win at the spring Vegas race in Top Fuel in 2017, and is seeking his first win in 2018 against the likes of points leader Steve Torrence, Gainesville winner Richie Crampton and defending world champ Brittany Force.<\/p>\n

Gray became the youngest Pro Stock winner in NHRA history a year ago and just won in Gainesville. He\u2019ll face off with points leader Bo Butner, Jason Line and Erica Enders.<\/p>\n

The event also features the K&N Horsepower Challenge for eight top Pro Stock drivers. Bragging rights and a hefty $50,000 paycheck is on the line for the Saturday specialty race. Greg Anderson has won two straight K&N Horsepower Challenge races.<\/p>\n

The event also features competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Mickey Thompson Tires NHRA Top Fuel Harley Drag Racing Series. After nitro qualifying on Friday, the Segal Motorsports Fire Starter, American Freedom Fighter & Lucas Oil Muy Caliente Jet Cars will thrill the fans. Known for their pre-run flame shows and after burner pops, jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines.<\/p>\n

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers. Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 7, at 12:10 and 2:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 8.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call (800) 644-4444 or visitwww.NHRA.com\/tickets<\/a>. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders can save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more information about the NHRA visitwww.NHRA.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

DENSO SPARK PLUGS NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> 19th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the fourth of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Drivers in three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock – earn points leading to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships. The race also will feature competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong> The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas. Track is located approximately 15 miles north of downtown Las Vegas off Interstate 15.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> 
\nFriday through Sunday, April 6-8<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong> 
\nFRIDAY, April 6 – LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, April 7- LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 12:10 and 2:45 p.m.
\nK&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE at 12:00, 2:40 and 3:20 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, April 8 – Pre-race ceremonies, 10:45 a.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at noon<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong> 
\nFRIDAY, April 6, FS1 will televise one hour of live qualifying coverage at 7 p.m. (ET
\nSUNDAY, April 8, FS1 will televise three hours of finals coverage at 6 p.m. (ET) <\/p>\n

2017 EVENT WINNERS:<\/strong>   
\nAntron Brown, Top Fuel; Tommy Johnson Jr., Funny Car; Tanner Gray, Pro Stock; Anderson, K&N Horsepower Challenge.<\/p>\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/strong>
\nTony Schumacher, 8, TF; Greg Anderson, 8, PS; John Force, 6, FC: Larry Dixon, 5, TF; Ron Capps, 5, FC; Robert Hight,
\n5, FC; Jeg Coughlin, 5, PS; Antron Brown, 4, TF; Erica Enders, 4, PS<\/p>\n

MOST K&N HORSEPOWER CHALLENGE VICTORIES:<\/strong>
\nGreg Anderson, 6; Kurt Johnson, 4; Jeg Coughlin, 3; Bob Glidden, 3; Warren Johnson, 3; Larry Morgan, 3; Bruce Allen, 2
\n Erica Enders, 2; Allen Johnson, 2; Jim Yates, 2;<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.673 sec. by Tony Schumacher, Oct. \u201917 and 332.67 mph by Shawn Langdon, Oct. \u201915.
\nFunny Car – 3.854 sec. by Jack Beckman, Oct. \u201917 and 335.57 mph by Beckman, Oct. \u201917.
\nPro Stock – 6.559 sec. and 210.28 mph by Erica Enders, Oct. \u201915.<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel – 3.628 sec. by Clay Millican, Feb. ’18, Pomona, Calif.; 336.57 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. \u201818, Phoenix
\nFunny Car – 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. ’17, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July \u201917, Sonoma, Calif.
\nPro Stock – 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.;  215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201914, Englishtown N.J.
\n 
\nTICKETS:<\/strong> 
\nFor tickets call (800) 644-4444. Tickets also available online at www.lvms.com\/tickets<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA LAS VEGAS \u2013 Already a fan of four-wide racing and running at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Funny Car\u2019s Tommy Johnson Jr. is excited to see what that means for him when those aspects are combined for the first time at the upcoming 19th annual DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15708,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[570,6,443],"class_list":["post-15705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-denso-spark-plugs-nhra-four-wide-nationals","tag-nhra","tag-tommy-johnson"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/2018_Johnson_Tommy_Action.jpg?fit=2250%2C1500","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-45j","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15705"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15710,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15705\/revisions\/15710"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}