TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. AND MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM AIMING FOR THE TOP IN ST. LOUIS

MADISON, Ill. – As a youngster in 1976, Tommy Johnson, Jr. stood in victory circle in St. Louis with his dad who was celebrating a sportsman modified eliminator win. That was at St. Louis International Raceway, the strip that has been renovated into the existing Gateway International Raceway.

Now a veteran driver and pilot of the Kenny Bernstein-owned Monster Energy Funny Car, Tommy Johnson, Jr. is looking to deliver a national event win at the O’Reilly Midwest Nationals May 2-4 and cause for another family celebration.

“That was the only national event win my dad ever had,” said Johnson. “So I have very special memories of St. Louis .

“Additionally, St. Louis is close to Indy, where I live, so it almost feels like a hometown race. St. Louis is also Budweiser’s home and the brand has a long history with Kenny Bernstein. We’re looking forward to representing Kenny. I know we’ll have a lot of folks out there watching us.

“I think the date change that was made from late June to early May has been beneficial for the race teams. It’s a tricky race track but I’ve done well there in the past and enjoy the race. I always try to go into a race weekend with a positive attitude and use that mind-set to my advantage.”

Johnson and the Monster Energy Funny Car team were in the final four at Phoenix , but Johnson is looking for a final round appearance and a break-through win for team owner Kenny Bernstein.

“A double victory with Brandon in the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster and us in the Monster Funny Car would be high on my wish list,” said Johnson. “You might as well have lofty goals.

“The Funny Car category is extremely tough again this year and nobody’s running away with victories and points. We need to go rounds in St. Louis and close in on the leaders.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, May 2 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 and 3 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.