MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM CONTINUES TO MAKE PERFORMANCE STRIDES


NORWALK, Ohio (June 29) – With over 13 inches of rain falling in the Norwalk area the week leading into the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, Friday’s professional racing portion of qualifying was cancelled due to a water seepage problem on the racing surface. Officials worked through the night to rectify the problem so that professional qualifying could commence Saturday.

After two Saturday qualifying sessions, Tommy Johnson, Jr. and the Monster Energy Funny Car team were seeded No. 14 in the field with a 5.064/288.95.

“Only getting two qualifying runs with a different set up on the car and making the show was impressive,” said Johnson.

In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations, Johnson faced off against Funny Car point leader Tim Wilkerson. The Monster Energy Funny Car lost traction before half track and began to spin the tires. Johnson didn’t want to give up, getting on and off the throttle, pedaling the car until Wilkerson crossed the finish line and activated the win light.

“I had a good feeling Sunday morning,” said Johnson. “I was ready to go. Going up against Wilkerson in the first round, the toughest guy out there right now, we had to go for it and try to up our game against him. It almost hung on, but it knocked the tires loose. It was on the verge of making a really good run so I’m happy with the results we’re getting. We’re getting closer to getting the car to perform like it should and the spirits are up on the whole team.

“We see a light at the end of the tunnel. You always hate a first round loss, but at the same time, I definitely see round wins coming because our performance is starting to turn the corner.”