Tommy Johnson Jr. Revved for Start of New Season

Makes Super Bowl Prediction

POMONA, Calif. - Tommy Johnson Jr. can't wait for the 2007 NHRA season to begin next week at the Winternationals in Pomona, (Calif.). Coming off another strong season, coupled with the way his Chevy Impala has performed in testing, TJ is chomping at the bit to hit the track and do it for real.

"I can't wait to get going," said Johnson as the Don Prudomme Skoal racing team concluded testing in Phoenix this week. "The car ran really well last year and has run really good in testing. We've tried a lot of new things during the test sessions and have learned a lot."

In order to make sure all the parts are looking good before making full runs, TJ and the crew never went past 1,000 feet during the testing. Last Monday in Las Vegas in his first pass, TJ shut off at 1,000 feet, as the car ran a 4.72 at 279 mph. The car was on a pace to run a 4.65 or 66 on a full run.

"This is what testing is for, to try out new things. There was no reason to go a full run. I was really thrilled in Las Vegas when the car ran its quickest half-track speed ever for eight miles," added TJ, as he hopes to create that opening season magic like he did in 2005 when he won the season's first race.

With a new Impala body and the same stalwart crew headed by Mike Green, there's no reason to doubt the confidence TJ is feeling.

The 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series kicks-off Feb. 8-11 at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona with the 47th annual Winternationals.

Johnson equaled his career best sixth-place finish in the highly-competitive Funny Car class last year. He scored wins at the NHRA Nationals in Phoenix in February and Brainerd, MN in August.

TJ feels a win by his beloved Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl this Sunday would be a nice way to start the week.

"I thought seriously about going to Miami to see them, but then I looked at what the prices were for tickets and thought I'd just head to California. I really hope the Colts can do it!"

Just for the record, TJ says it'll be Colts over the Bears 34-17.