The Monster Energy Funny Car will compete in the 44th Annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, California.

AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NHRA FINALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying

Saturday, November 15, 2008

ESPN2

11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. ET

NHRA Race Day

Sunday, November 16, 2008

ESPN2

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations

Sunday, November 16, 2008

ESPN2

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET

We hope to have the Monster Energy Funny Car in the finals for you to watch.  We will have continuous internet updates daily.  Follow the Monster Energy Funny Car team at www.kennybernstein.com.  

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR FINAL RACE OF THE SEASON

POMONA, Calif. – Driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. believes in the Monster Energy Funny Car team and is steadfast in his belief that the Kenny Bernstein-owned operation is capable of a victory at the Automobile Club of Southern California Finals Nov. 13-16.

“Barring having to chase mechanical gremlins that would put any team behind the eight ball, I believe Mike Kloeber can lead this team to the winner’s circle,” said Johnson.  “And a victory would turn a lackluster year into a good one.  Mike has a lot of career victories and he definitely has the talent.

“So I’m coming into the final event of this season with high expectations.”

Johnson qualified No. 1 at Auto Club Raceway in 2001 and was Funny Car runner-up at the season-ending event  in 2002.

Born into a drag racing family in Ottumwa, Iowa, the need for speed ran through Tommy’s veins and his interest grew as he spent years accompanying his dad, mom and sister to the races to watch as his father competed in a variety of sportsman classes, and for a short time, the Pro Stock professional category.

Johnson started his racing career as an eight year old, competing on a mini bike in a local drag racing series in his hometown.  At the age of 15, he began to drive the family-owned Super Gas car. He earned his Top Fuel license in 1989.

Johnson has seven career NHRA national event Top Fuel and Funny Car victories to his credit.  He is a member of the Cragar 4-second Club as well as the prestigious Slick 50 300 Mile Per Hour Club.

Johnson began competing at the California track in 1990.

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Thursday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m.  There is a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m., followed by two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3:30 p.m.  Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FINALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – Nov. 15 – ESPN2

11 p.m. – 1 a.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Nov. 16 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – Nov. 16 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS AT VIRGINIA NATIONALS

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 12)— The Kenny Bernstein-owned Monster Energy Funny Car team made significant improvements this weekend under the tuning guidance of Mike Kloeber, qualifying in the top half of the Virginia Nationals field and advancing to quarterfinals competition.

Driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. drove the distinctive black and green Dodge Charger to the No. 8 qualifying position, posting an elapsed time of 4.070 seconds at 303.64 mph.

In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations Johnson rolled into the staging beams opposite Jeff Arend. It was a good drag race with Johnson edging Arend for the win, 4.114/305.49 to Arend’s 4.126/295.21.

“That win meant more to me than anything,” said Johnson.  “ We’ve had a tough year.  These team members have been digging all season and to give them a round win was huge.   We were happy to get down the racetrack and give Kenny, Monster, Lucas, Mac, the Air Force, and all our sponsors a much deserved win.”

In the quarterfinals, Johnson squared off against Cruz Pedregon.  Pedregon advanced to the next round by virtue of a 4.096/303.30 victory to Johnson’s 4.178/293.60.

 “It was a great weekend,” said Johnson.  “For only the second weekend Mike Kloeber’s tuned the car, we made greater progress than I would have ever imagined we’d make this fast.

“To get the car qualified in the top half of the field and win first round was fantastic.  Granted we wanted to win second round, but the car dropped a cylinder on that run, and we’re not sure why.  That was basically the 11th run that Mike has tuned the car, and I’d call this admirable progress.  I can’t say enough about what a good job he’s doing.”

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“Our Dragster and Funny Car will showcase the New York-New York logo throughout the ACDelco Nationals Oct. 31-Nov.2, and we invite fans who may be planning to attend the race to book their rooms at our favorite Las Vegas resort,” said Bernstein.

“Our Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel and Monster Energy Funny Car teams are looking forward to experiencing ROK Vegas™.” ROK Vegas™ is the sexy new nightclub mesmerizing party-goers with riveting rock ‘n’ roll mash-ups and rock-inspired imagery.  ROK features the first-ever 360-degree video screen in a Las Vegas nightclub.  From every angle, guests are surrounded by concert footage, live club feeds, lasers and animation all chosen by the intuitive Video Jockey (VJ).  Club-goers revel in the “concert-like” setting as ROK’s DJ spins mash-ups choreographed in time with remarkable video imagery displayed above.  ROK’s intimate setting also includes an exclusive outdoor VIP lounge just steps away from the pulsating Las Vegas Strip “Away from the racing action, our team members enjoy the restaurants, shows, and of course ‘The Roller Coaster’ in the Big Apple of Las Vegas,” continued Bernstein.

“We were happy to carry the New York-New York name and logo to victory circle last April,” said Budweiser/Lucas Oil driver Brandon Bernstein, “and we’re hoping to repeat that feat at the ACDelco Nationals.”

The Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster began carrying the New York-New York logo at the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals in 2006.

New York-New York showcases a remodeled contemporary 84,000-square-foot casino.Set against a backdrop of famous New York landmarks, the gaming area includes 80 gaming tables. More than 60 televisions broadcast major sporting events in the casino’s table game areas allowing players to experience the energy and excitement of gaming along with the exhilaration and intensity of sporting events. For those who follow professional sports, New York-New York offers a Race & Sports Book.  Located adjacent to ESPN Zone, the book features 46 televisions, 12 61-inch big screen televisions, comfortable seating, beverage service and electronic satellite wagering.

Inspired by the famous energy and landmarks of New York City, New York-New York features 12 New York-style skyscrapers showcasing 2,023 guest rooms and suites. Other featured Big Apple icons include a 150-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty; and a 300-foot-long replica of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Within the resort are award-winning restaurants including Gallagher's Steakhouse, Il Fornaio and Nine Fine Irishmen, an authentic pub offering the best of Irish drink, food and music.  New York-New York also offers the provocative and sensuous Cirque du Soleil production, Zumanity.  New York-New York is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM MIRAGE™.  For more information and reservations, visit the web site at www.nynyhotelcasino.com, or call toll free at (800) 693-6763. 

MONSTER ENERGY TEAM MAKING PROGRESS WITH VETERAN CREW CHIEF

MEMPHIS (Sept. 28) ---The O’Reilly Midsouth Nationals marked the first event with veteran tuner Mike Kloeber calling the shots on the Monster Energy Funny Car team.

On Kloeber’s first weekend turning the wrenches for the Kenny Bernstein team, driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. qualified in the No. 14 position with a 4.167/296.50.

“Considering that Mike came onboard Tuesday of race week, he did a highly commendable job making tuning calls on a race car he just got his hands on.  Though assistant crew chief Danny DeGennaro was able to provide valuable input, it’s quite an undertaking to join a team and be in competition three days later.”

In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations, Johnson faced off against John Force.  Both drivers left evenly out of the gate, but by half track, the Monster Energy Funny Car lost traction, awarding the round win to Force.

“We have one week off before we compete in Richmond, Va.” said Johnson.  “I’m optimistic going forward that we can make some good progress.

“We also want to say how proud we are to continue our test program with the U.S. Air Force.  NHRA drag racing has brought an element of excitement to their recruiting process and we have enjoyed spending time with the Air Force officers and potential recruits.”

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TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. EAGER TO TAKE MONSTER ENERGY AND U.S. AIR FORCE
TO A TRACK WHERE HE HAS BEEN A TWO-TIME WINNER

MILLINGTON, Tenn.  – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, returns to Memphis Motorsports Park Sept. 26-28 for the O’Reilly Midsouth Nationals, the only track on the NHRA tour where the veteran driver has won in both nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) classes.

“Memphis has been one of my favorite tracks throughout the years,” said Johnson.  “To be a part of a 14-member club who has won in both Top Fuel and Funny Car is pretty special, but more than that, I’ve won in both categories at the same track.”

Johnson took home the Memphis Top Fuel trophy in 1994, and drove to victory circle in 1999 in a Funny Car.

“Memphis Motorsports Park has been a good place for me.  Because we’ve had some success there, I have a certain comfort zone.  Going in with a positive mental attitude can give you an advantage.

“I can’t point to any specifics about why it’s been a good track for me performance wise, but whatever it is, we hope it continues this year.”

The Memphis event will be the second of four races where the Monster Energy Funny Car team will align with the U.S. Air Force on a test program to recruit airmen.

“I believe there are many NHRA fans that have a passion for our sport and would love to learn more about a career in the Air Force,” said Johnson.  “We’re excited to have the Air Force riding with us.”

Nitro qualifying for the O’Reilly Midsouth Nationals begins Friday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 6:30 p.m.  There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

O’REILLY MIDSOUTH NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – Sept. 27 – ESPN2

10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Sept. 28 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – Sept. 28 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

KENNY BERNSTEIN’S MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM
ALIGNS WITH U.S. AIR FORCE FOR PILOT PROGRAM

DALLAS – Kenny Bernstein was one of the first NHRA drag racing competitors to turn a hobby into a business venture.  Long recognized in the motorsports community as a merchandiser, salesman and avid ambassador for companies he represents, the six-time NHRA champion has aligned his Monster Energy Funny Car team with the U.S. Air Force for a four-race test program beginning with the O’Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals Sept. 19-21.

“The Air Force and its personnel embody  all those qualities that contribute to success in business, namely dedication, commitment, the desire to be No. 1, honesty, and the willingness to go the extra mile,” said Bernstein.   “These are core values that I look for in my employees, and these are the same standards that personify Air Force personnel.  In our business, it’s about team work.  In the Air Force it’s team work that not only defends America but also the air, space and cyberspace of the United States as well.

 “Airmen are trained with the best technology available.  Our Monster Energy Funny Car team is steeped in technology so there are a lot of obvious similarities and crossovers for our sport and potential Air Force recruits.  We are proud to be associated with the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.”

“The Air Force is excited about being part of a pilot program with Kenny Bernstein Racing,” said Capt. Homero S. Martinez III, Chief Event Marketing.  “The first test is at the Texas Motorplex.  Kenny Bernstein has fielded one of the longest running teams with a strong heritage and character that represents hard-work, dedication and teamwork that the Air Force values in all its Airmen who volunteer to serve this great nation.  We are proud to be associated with Kenny Bernstein Racing who represents what the Air Force embodies.

Monster Energy Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. remarked, “I have always admired and respected the men and women of the Air Force. Recently I had an opportunity to interface with the Thunderbirds and I was very impressed with their professionalism and the skill involved with each team member whether it be the mechanical side or flying the exacting tactical maneuvers.  These teams all worked together to keep the planes flying and their pilots safe.

“It’s exactly the same principal we employ on the drag racing side.  My team pays attention to detail to keep me safe.

“I believe there are many NHRA fans that have a passion for our sport and would love to learn more about a career in the Air Force.

“The Texas Motorplex was the first super track that was built.  It yielded, and continues to yield, record numbers.

“In 1999, I was runner-up to John Force.  At that time, we ran the quickest side-by-side run ever.

It takes a lot of commitment, technology, and attention to detail to make these cars run safe and fast.

“We’re excited to have the Air Force riding with us.”

The Kenny Bernstein Racing/U.S. Air Force test program will include Dallas, Memphis, Richmond and Las Vegas.

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals begins Friday, Sept. 19 at 3:45 p.m. with a second session of qualifying at 6:30 p.m.  There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3:15 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

O’Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals Television Advisory 

Qualifying – Sept. 20 – ESPN2

10 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Sept. 21 – ESPN2

11 – 11:30 a.m.

Eliminations – Sept. 21 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. EXCITED TO DRIVE MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR
IN INAUGURAL CAROLINAS NATIONALS COMPETITION

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Kenny Bernstein-owned Monster Energy Funny Car is looking forward to competing at the Carolinas Nationals Sept. 12-14.

 As new as the zMAX Dragway@Concord is, Johnson Jr. has already been out-trumped by his father to be first in the family down the “Bellagio of drag strips.”

“My father raced when I was a child and it was because of his involvement in drag racing that I inherited my passion for the sport,” said Johnson Jr. “My dad lives in Charlotte so a couple of weeks ago when the strip was opened for locals to have a chance to test it out with their own cars, he drove his tricked out Camaro down the strip and then sent me pictures!

“So he got to say he was first in the family to race on the surface and had nothing but great things to say about the facility.

“I’m looking forward to racing there for several reasons.  The caliber of the Bruton Smith facilities in my opinion is top notch, but I think this will be the ultimate drag strip.  It’s a treat to get to race at such nice facilities.

 “Also having my family in Charlotte will be fun.  We have friends in the NASCAR world and my brother-in-law works for a NASCAR team so we will get to have some quality time to spend with them.

“It will also give us a chance to give our NASCAR friends and fans in the southeast a taste of drag racing.  This is huge for our sport and I’m happy to be able to be a part of the inaugural event.”

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

CAROLINAS NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – Sept. 13 – ESPN2

4 – 6 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Sept. 14 – ESPN2

11 – 11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – Sept. 14 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM NARROWLY MISSES
COMPETITIVE MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS FIELD

CLERMONT, Ind. (Aug. 31) – The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals over Labor Day weekend is probably the most intense weekend on the NHRA circuit.  It’s also the weekend of the highest car counts and the stiffest competition to make the 16-car elimination field. 

Fractions of a second separate the qualified from those who came close.

In the case of the Monster Energy Funny Car team it was three one-thousandths- of- a- second that put them one spot shy of making the sweet 16 this year.

A very impressive run in the dramatic final round of qualifying yielded a 4.211/291.07.

“I didn’t leave anything on the starting line on that final pass,” said driver Tommy Johnson, Jr.  “I staged very shallow so we could get every ounce of elapsed time out of the run.  Rick (Cassel, crew chief) and the Monster Energy team did a great job under pressure.  We were so close!  It’s a heartbreaker not to qualify for this event.

“We really wanted a good showing for Monster Energy and for Kenny Bernstein.

“Now it’s on to the new facility at Charlotte.  We’re excited to race there where we have a lot of family and friends.  We look forward to a competitive weekend at the new “Bellagio of drag strips.”

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TOMMY JOHNSON, JR:  THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO HAVE A WIN AT INDY ON YOUR RESUME

CLERMONT, Ind – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car believes that the history of NHRA all boils down to the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

“Indy has always been our sport’s premiere event,” said Johnson.  “I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that you get an extra fire deep down inside you for this race.  A good showing here makes a bright spot for the season.

“If a team has been struggling through the season, a win at Indy could make a bad year a great one.

“I was in the final here in 2002 and finished runner-up.   I was that close to a win.  The ultimate goal is to have a win at Indy on your resume.

“I like racing at this event because it’s home for us. This is our sport’s longest weekend, but there’s a comfort level for us because Indy is home.  We get to stay in our house, sleep in our own bed, and it helps take the stress out of such a big event.”

Johnson has nine career national event victories to his credit and hopes to add another at Indy.

“Our Monster Energy team is beginning to gain some consistency,” continued Johnson.  “ It’s a real fight in the Funny Car class.  Everyone is digging deep.  Our team is fired up and ready to go some rounds.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals begins Friday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.  There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and two on Sunday, 12:45 p.m. and 3:40 p.m.  Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Monday at 11 a.m.

MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS TELEVISION SCHEDULE

NHRA Race Day – Aug. 31 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Qualifying – Aug. 31 – ESPN2

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET

Qualifying – Aug. 31 – ESPN2

5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET

Eliminations – Sept. 1 – ESPN2

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET

Eliminations – Sept. 1 – ESPN2

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM
MAKES GOOD QUALIFYING EFFORT AT MAPLE GROVE RACEWAY

READING, Pa. (Aug. 17)—The Monster Energy Funny Car team made progress in qualifying at the Toyo Tires Nationals, but tire smoke in the first round put a quick end to race day. Tommy Johnson drove the Kenny Bernstein-owned Dodge Charger to the No. 11 qualifying position with a 4.166-second elapsed time at 296.76 miles per hour.

In the first round of eliminations against Ashley Force, Johnson had the reaction time starting line advantage, but by the time he reached the 330-foot marker, the Monster Energy car had suffered loss of traction. Ms. Force took the round win to progress to the next round.

“We qualified comfortably on Friday” said Johnson, “so we used Saturday to work on the race day set-up and some issues we were having down track with the car coming loose. “Today I thought we’d be good. I thought we had all the down track problems solved. For some unknown reason the car came loose early in the round where we had no problems all weekend. The set up was basically the same as Saturday, so we were surprised when we smoked the tires.

“It’s frustrating when you make some good consistent runs in qualifying. We were hoping for a big race day.”

MONSTER ENERGY TEAM PUTS BRAINERD IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR;
CONCENTRATING ON UPCOMING READING EVENT

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 10) – The Monster Energy Funny Car team was unable to capitalize on the performance gains they have been making for the past several races. At the Lucas Oil Nationals, the team was bumped from the quick 16 in Saturday’s final round of qualifying.

“We just got behind the 8-ball this weekend and had a few mechanical struggles,” said driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. “The Funny Car category is pretty unforgiving. There’s no room to stumble.

“This one sort of knocked the wind out of our sails, but we’ll get a second breath and get back in the battle this coming weekend in Reading (Pa.).”

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TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. TEAMS WITH FELLOW DRIVERS FOR SOFTBALL CLASSIC
BEFORE COMPETITION BEGINS FOR TOYO TIRES NATIONALS

READING, Pa. – Tommy Johnson Jr. has had a particular fondness for Maple Grove Raceway since 1999 when he won his first Funny Car event at the Pennsylvania track. When the NHRA circuit makes its 17th stop at the Toyo Tires Nationals Aug. 15-17, Monster Energy Funny Car driver Johnson will be swinging for his second victory there.

Prior to the start of qualifying, however, many of the professional NHRA drivers and motorcycle riders will join for a sort of intramural softball game. On Thursday, Aug. 14 fans will have the opportunity to watch coach Antron Brown’s “Burn Down Bombers” square off against Funny Car coach Gary Scelzi’s “Superchargers” at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading. Johnson and Budweiser/Lucas Oil Top Fuel teammate Brandon Bernstein will be on Brown’s team.

Johnson is probably one of the few players reprising a role in an NHRA softball game. In the early ‘90s, he played for two years in the NHRA vs. NASCAR softball game, followed by a third year when the NHRA players faced off against the CART drivers.

In the final battle of the motorsports stars, Johnson threw superstar Paul Newman out at home plate during the CART game. Newman was pinch running for Rick Mears who couldn’t run due to foot injuries obtained in a highly publicized racing crash.

In late July this season, Johnson visited friend Aaron Rowand, a standout player on the San Francisco Giants, and had an opportunity to participate in batting and outfield practice prior to the Giants’ game against the Washington Nationals. Johnson connected on 70 percent of the pitches in batting practice. So is he a “ringer” for the “Burn Down Bombers”?

“I only played baseball in little league until I was 10 or so,” said Johnson. “The only thing on my mind, really, was racing. “I think I’m motivated by the competitive nature of the game, and maybe we’re fortunate to have a few motor skills to contribute.

“This year’s softball game brings back memories of our games years ago,” continued Johnson. “There were huge crowds at Reading Phillies Stadium. Once you get all the drivers together, we enjoy the camaraderie. It’s an enjoyable and comfortable feeling among the drivers.

“On Friday, when qualifying begins, it’s every man for himself.”

Speaking of qualifying, two years again in Reading, Johnson ran one of his career best elapsed times clinching the No. 1 qualifying berth with a 4.693-second run.

“Maple Grove Raceway is a fast track,” said Johnson, “and the fans will see some good laps. When I won there in ’99, it sort of flipped the switch for us and our performance took off for the rest of the season. It would be nice to catch our second wind this year. Our focus is to get the Monster Energy Funny Car in winner’s circle here. We just want to win!”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p.m., followed by a second session at 6:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

NHRA Softball Classic: Aug. 14 at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies (Reading, Pa.) Autograph session from 5- 6 p.m., first pitch at 7 p.m. For directions, visit www.readingphillies.com. Contact FirstEnergy Stadium to purchase tickets. $8 adult general admission, $10 adult reserved admission (field level), $5 children. Proceeds will benefit Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW). NHRA announcer Bob Frey will be joined by Bob Wilber, a team publicist, to call the action on the field.

TOYO TIRES NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – August 16 – ESPN2

6 – 8 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – August 17 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – August 18 – ESPN2

10 a.m. – 1 a.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON LOOKING TO GO ROUNDS AT LUCAS OIL NATIONALS;
WILL GREET FANS AT FREEDOM VALU ON THURSDAY OF RACE WEEK

BRAINERD, Minn. – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, is looking forward to The Lucas Oil Nationals Aug. 8-10 at a track he has adopted as a hometown venue.

“I am originally from Iowa,” said Johnson, “and since I didn’t have an NHRA national event track in the state, I claimed anything in the surrounding area as my home track. Brainerd International Raceway falls into that designation.

“I’ve raced there for years and had a lot of success. I won the Funny Car trophy there just two years ago, one of my better victories, a real dominating victory.

“It’s always special to go back to Brainerd. It’s beautiful country and the fans have a great time up there. It’s always an enjoyable race, almost like a resort and a race at the same time. There are certain tracks where you feel comfortable racing and there are tracks where you just race. Brainerd is one of the tracks where I’m in my comfort zone.”

Johnson has nine career national event victories to his credit and hopes to add another at Brainerd.

“Our Monster Energy team is beginning to gain some consistency,” continued Johnson. “We’re happy with the mid-season turn around our team has made, but it’s a real fight in the Funny Car class. Everyone is digging deep. Our team is fired up and ready to go some rounds.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Nationals begins Friday, Aug.8 at 3:30 p.m. with a second round at 6:15 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, noon and 3 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

Johnson to make appearance at Freedom Valu: On Thursday, Aug. 7, Monster Energy driver Tommy Johnson Jr. will greet fans and sign autographs from 5 – 6 p.m. at the Freedom Valu store near the entrance to Brainerd International Raceway, 18316 State Hwy 371.

LUCAS OIL NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – Aug. 9 – ESPN2

8:30 – 10:30 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Aug. 10 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – Aug. 10 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM SHOWS FORTITUDE IN SONOMA

SONOMA, Calif. (July 27) – The Monster Energy Funny Car team dug deep and showed their spirit and determination at the Fram Autolite Nationals at Infineon Raceway. Driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. and the Kenny Bernstein team had to fight their way back into the top 16 after getting bumped out early in the last session of qualifying.

In a nail biter to see which teams would be in, and which would be out, the Monster Energy Funny Car clocked 4.327/286.38 to bump back into the field and take the final starting berth for Sunday’s eliminations.

“I was a LOT nervous on that run,” said Johnson. “The track was hot and tricky. I had confidence that we could get in the field, but I kept my hand on the brake just in case there was a wisp of tire smoke. Fortunately everything went our way, Rick Cassel (crew chief) had a good tune-up combination in the car, and we made a nice clean, smooth run.”

In the first round of eliminations, Johnson faced No. 1 qualifier Ashley Force. Ms. Force used low elapsed time of the event, 4.094 seconds at 302.01 mph, to win the round, while Johnson struggled with loss of traction.

“It wasn’t the weekend I was hoping for,” said Johnson, “but under pressure yesterday, the team showed what they were made of. They got the car down the track and in the show in the last shot. It was just a tricky track all weekend for everybody. There were only a handful of cars that ran really well this weekend and for everybody else it was sort of hit and miss. Unfortunately we drew one of the cars that ran really well first round. Based on her qualifying efforts and the caliber of her team, we knew we had to go for it.

“We had a small mechanical problem, but I think the guys have figured out what it is. They should be good for our next race in Brainerd. Even though we didn’t get the results we were looking for, I still think we’re headed in the right direction. It’s a much better team than it was earlier this season.”

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TOMMY JOHNSON TO VISIT WITH GIANTS STAR AARON ROWAND BEFORE
GEARING UP FOR NHRA FRAM AUTOLITE NATIONALS

SONOMA, Calif. -- Tommy Johnson, Jr. is pleased with the recent performance of the Monster Energy Funny Car team and believes they have an excellent chance to go rounds at the Fram Autolite Nationals July 25-27.

Prior to the NHRA event at Infineon Raceway, however, Johnson will be down on the field at AT&T Park Wednesday, July 23 during pre-game warm- ups with his friend Aaron Rowand. A star San Francisco Giants outfielder, Rowand became friends with Johnson and wife Melanie Troxel in 2006 when they met at the ESPYS.

Earlier this year, Rowand and some of his teammates had an opportunity to watch Johnson compete at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz.

“The Giants were training in the Scottsdale area when we were racing in Phoenix,” explained Johnson. “Aaron and some of his buddies were able to come to the track and spend some time with us throughout the weekend. So we were happy to find out the team had a home game when we were racing in Sonoma. It will give us a chance to get down on the field with him before the game.”

Johnson and Troxel will also be guests on the pre-game television show from AT & T Park Wednesday evening.

“That will be a relaxing, fun evening and we’re looking forward to it,” said Johnson, “but Friday we’ll be getting down to business.

“Infineon is a beautiful track and one of the nicest on the circuit.

“We’ve never won at this facility, but Rick (Cassel, crew chief) has done a good job of making significant progress in the performance department. This is the third race in the three consecutive events that make up the West Coast Swing. It would be great to finish off the ‘Swing’ with a victory for Fram and Autolite who are also sponsors on our Monster Energy car. We would also like to celebrate with the Cordeiro Family who are associate sponsors on our car and live in the Napa area.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Fram Autolite Nationals begins Friday, July 25 at 4 p.m. with a second session at 7:15 p.m. There are two Saturday qualifying rounds, noon and 3 p.m. with final eliminations scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.

FRAM AUTOLITE NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – July 26 – ESPN2

6-8 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – July 27 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – July 27 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

EIGHT THOUSANDANTHS OF A SECOND SEPARATES TOMMY JOHNSON
FROM FIRST ROUND VICTORY IN SEATTLE

KENT, Wash. (July 20) -- Tommy Johnson, Jr. and the Monster Energy Funny Car team enjoyed their best qualifying effort this season, climbing to No. 3 in the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals final qualifying order with a 4.083/299.20.

Then in the first round of eliminations, despite a solid performance, Johnson lost by a scant eight thousandths of a second to opponent Jack Beckman. Johnson was first out of the starting gate but at the finish line it was Beckman by a nose. Beckman clocked 4.163/297.94 and Johnson was at his side with a 4.189/298.54.

“It’s heartbreaking to lose for as good as the team’s doing now,” said Johnson. “But at the same time it goes to show you how close and competitive we are.

“The car ran really good. The Monster Energy team did a great job. I left the starting line before Jack, but it just wasn’t enough to hold him off. Even though it’s tough to lose, at the same time it’s encouraging to see how close we are to winning one of these races. Not only have we made the car competitive enough to be able to go rounds, this car is now capable of winning a race. It’s just a matter of time before things go our way. Each race we’ve made improvements in qualifying. We’ve worked our way up the ladder and we came out here the No. 3 qualifier. It’s a shame to get beat in the first round but at the same time we’re very encouraged for the next few races on the tour.”

On Thursday of race week, Johnson made a trip on behalf of Monster Energy to visit wounded soldiers at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis Army Base.

“It was rewarding to spend time with the soldiers at Fort Lewis that had been wounded in battle. But for me, it brought back a lot of memories when I visited wounded soldiers in Landstuhl Medical Center at Ramstsein Air Base in Germany where they are first evacuated out of Iraq. We know what they’ve been through on their journey back home and we thank them for what they’ve done for our country. Maybe we were able to put a bright spot in their day. They’re having a bad time. It makes losing first round look pretty small when you see what these guys have been through. Hopefully we cheered them up a bit.”

SEATTLE HOLDS SPECIAL MEMORIES FOR TOMMY JOHNSON, JR.;
JOHNSON TO VISIT FORT LEWIS AND MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE

KENT, Wash. – Most professional athletes remember their first victory, and for Tommy Johnson, Jr., that first professional win came in 1993 in Seattle while he was driving a Top Fuel dragster.

“I will always remember Seattle as a special place,” reminisced Johnson as he heads into the Schuck’s Auto Supply Nationals July 18-20.

Johnson is driving this season for six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein, who stepped out of the cockpit of the Monster Energy Funny Car at the end of the 2007 season. Johnson is the first full-time non -family member to campaign on the NHRA circuit for the Hall of Famer.

“The West Coast Swing kicks off the second half of the season,” said Johnson, “and it is a difficult three-in-a-row series. Seattle is the turning point of the ‘Swing’ and your performance at that point can make or break the July series.

“I would love to add a Funny Car trophy to our Top Fuel trophy at Pacific Raceways.

“Our team is making performance strides and I can see improvement at each event. Our team’s morale is high right now and I think we’re on the verge of getting over the hump with some gremlins that have plagued us.

“I am hopeful that we will have a strong performance in Seattle.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m. with a second qualifying session at 6 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. with eliminations schedule to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

Johnson to visit Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. Tommy Johnson and Top Fuel team- mate Brandon Bernstein will visit soldiers at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma Thursday, July 17. They will greet soldiers and sign autographs at the base’s main PX from 11 a.m. to noon. They will then shift to nearby McChord Air Force Base where they will meet some of the base personnel. McChord will host Air Expo 2008 July 19-20, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other exciting aerial attractions.

SCHUCK’S AUTO SUPPLY NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – July 19 – ESPN2

8-9 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – July 20 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – July 20 – ESPN2

9 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON BELIEVES MONSTER ENERGY TEAM
CLOSE TO CASHING IN ON PERFORMANCE GAINS

DENVER, Colo. (July 13) – The Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway are contested on one of the most picturesque racetracks on the circuit, carved on the side of the mountain.

The heat and altitude of the mile-high city have presented tuning challenges through the years. In order to help combat the elements, John Bandimere, Jr. became the first track operator to install cooling coils under the first 120 feet of the racing surface.

Also new beginning with this event was a switch for the two nitro categories to race to the 1000-foot mark instead of the traditional 1320-foot quarter-mile. This was an interim safety measure instituted in the wake of the untimely death of Scott Kalitta.

Under the new format, Tommy Johnson, Jr. qualified the Monster Energy Funny Car in the No. 7 position with a 4.242/294.94.

In the opening round of race day competition, Johnson pulled to the starting line to face Jack Beckman. Though Johnson appeared to be gaining on his opponent, the Monster Energy Dodge lost traction and Beckman was able to gain the round win with a 4.296/292.33 to Johnson’s 4.487/254.57.

“At the 330-foot mark the numbers were basically even, but then the Monster car made a really good move and we started to pull away from him,” said Johnson. “Then right before the 1/8 mile the tires broke loose. We were really close to making it.

“It was a shame that the track temperature came up so much today. Rick (Cassel, crew chief) did a great job of trying to adjust for it. The car was on a really good run. The progress we’ve made this weekend and the job that Rick’s doing to get the car turned around is real exciting. We may not have had the results we were looking for today, but the future is looking bright. The more runs Rick gets, the better the team gets, the more confidence we all get. We’re going to get those results we’re looking for.”

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. LOOKING FOR ROUND WINS IN DENVER

DENVER, Colo. – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Dodge Funny Car, has seen performance strides recently and notes that team morale is riding high going into the Mopar Mile-High Nationals July 11-13.

“As a driver we have never won in Denver,” explained Johnson, “but we have been to the final round three different times in three different categories: Alcohol Funny Car, Super Gas and Top Fuel. So we look forward to going to this event.

“We seem to go rounds at this track and that gives us a positive outlook. We like going

to Denver and would like to add Funny Car to our list of final rounds.

“This track has a different tune-up combination from any of the others because of its altitude and can sometimes be challenging to crew chiefs. Through the years, they have learned how to make the engines adapt to and breathe in the thin air.

“Bandimere is a fan favorite because of its picturesque setting in the side of the mountain and we always have a standing room only crowd at this event. We’re looking forward to going some rounds on Sunday.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. with a second session at 8 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at noon.

MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – July 12 – ESPN2

10 p.m. – 12 a.m.

NHRA Race Day – July 13 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – July 13 – ESPN2

8 – 10 p.m. ET

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.”

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON HOPES TO CAPITALIZE ON TEAM OWNER
KENNY BERNSTEIN’S FINAL ROUND APPEARANCE LAST YEAR IN NORWALK

NORWALK, Ohio – Tommy Johnson, Jr. is a big fan of Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, and based on team owner Kenny Bernstein’s runner-up finish there last season, Johnson is looking forward to a competitive weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals June 27-29.

“We were very impressed with the facility when we raced there last year for the first time,” said Johnson. “It’s one of the nicest tracks on the circuit. Track owner Bill Bader did a tremendous job.

“Kenny ran really well there last year defeating some really tough competitors en route to victory. Maybe we can go one better this year.

“This year our team has run some good solid numbers, but we’ve been frustrated by little things here and there that have gone wrong mechanically. Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team are putting in the maximum amount of man hours to get consistency in the race car.

“Consistency wins rounds and wins races. It’s a real fight out there in the Funny Car class with in excess of 20 Funny Cars trying to squeeze into the top 16 each weekend. Everyone is digging deep and if you stumble with a mechanical problem on one run during qualifying it puts you behind the eight ball for the weekend.

“We’re definitely ready to have some long days on Sunday behind the wheel of our Monster Energy Dodge Charger. “

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals begins Friday, June 27 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7:30 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – June 28 –ESPN2

10 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – June 29 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – June 29 – ESPN2

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM MAKES PROGRESS AT ENGLISHTOWN;
JOINS RACING FRATERNITY IN MOURNING LOSS OF SCOTT KALITTA

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 22)– In a race weekend marred by tragedy and the untimely death of fellow Funny Car racer Scott Kalitta during Saturday qualifying, the racing fraternity elected to continue with Lucas Oil Supernationals eliminations, though a somber mood hovered over Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“It’s a tragedy,” said Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car. “We know it can happen in this sport. We all love to drive race cars and that’s the choice we make knowing the possible consequences. It makes racing more difficult today, but in the end it’s what we do because that’s what Scott would want us to do. You go back up there and not think about the tragedy, but race in his honor.”

Johnson qualified the Monster Energy Funny Car in the No. 14 position with a 5.035/302.21.

In the opening round of eliminations, Johnson rolled into the staging beams opposite John Force. Johnson lost traction early in the run and shortly thereafter Force followed suit. Johnson sashayed down the quarter mile trying to get the car to settle down and get traction back to the ground.

Force was also on and off the throttle, ultimately taking the round win with a 5.864/174.17 to Johnson’s 6.695/170.26.

“It shook early,” said Johnson. “I wasn’t expecting it. I tried every technique of pedaling it I could think of in there but it just wouldn’t hook up. I pedaled it quickly twice and I was about to give up when I saw Force smoke the tires in the other lane, so I got back after it. He had a little more momentum and went further before he smoked the tires and it makes it harder to catch him. I pedaled as hard as I could until he was gone. It was frustrating to not get down the track in the first round, but I see a much better car than it appeared to be in that round.

“I’m pleased with the results from the weekend,” said Johnson. “With a new crew chief and without the ability to test (at NHRA facilities to conserve nitromethane), one of the hardest things to do in the middle of the season is to work out a new tune-up while you’re trying to race and qualify.

“I think Rick (Cassel, new crew chief) has done a great job solving some of the issues we’ve had this season and trying to make the car run better. To actually get qualified in three runs showed huge progress this weekend. I think the team is definitely headed in the right direction. Even though we had a first round loss, overall we came out with a positive weekend.”

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR: TO DEFEND ENGLISHTOWN WIN
WOULD BE HIGHLIGHT OF CAREER

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. – Last year Tommy Johnson, Jr. won his ninth career event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park under adverse and nearly impossible circumstances. In fact, it was comparable to a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Johnson, driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, says if he can defend his Funny Car title June 22 at the Lucas Oil Supernationals, it will top last year’s win.

“In the first round of last year’s race we had a fire that pretty much burned the car to the ground,” reminisced Johnson. “Somehow the team got the car back together and we went on to win the event.

“We came into that event without much success and Englishtown was the turning point for me last year. If we can parlay any success this year off that experience and the incredible number of wins that Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) has enjoyed at this track, then this would be the highlight of my career.

“Our team needs to go rounds and start banking some points. We have run some really competitive numbers, but we’ve been frustrated by little things here and there that have gone wrong mechanically. Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team are putting in the maximum amount of hours trying to get over the hump with these little gremlins.

“Believe me, it is a fight out there again this year in the Funny Car class. Each week we have in excess of 20 Funny Cars trying to squeeze a position in the top 16.

“I’m ready to have some long days on Sunday behind the wheel of our Monster Energy Dodge Charger.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Lucas Oil Supernationals begins Friday, June 20 at 4 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m.

LUCAS OIL SUPERNATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – June 21 – ESPN2

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET

Qualifying – June 21 – ESPN2

7 – 8 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – June 22 – ESPN2

11 – 11:30 a.m.

Eliminations – June 22 – ESPN2

8 – 11 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON RATES ROUTE 66 AS ONE OF THE
QUICKEST AND FASTEST ON THE CIRCUIT

JOLIET, Ill. – By Tommy Johnson, Jr.’s estimation, Route 66 Raceway is one of the best facilities on the NHRA circuit. The driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car contends that anyone who wants to make the quick 16 for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals eliminations must bring their ‘A’ game.

“Performance wise this is one of the quickest, fastest racetracks we go to all year long,” said Johnson. “You want to make sure you bring everything you’ve got. From a driver’s perspective, it’s the ‘E ticket’ ride. There are usually no pedal fests at Route 66, it’s flat out the whole quarter- mile.”

Johnson set his career best Funny Car elapsed time, 4.672 seconds, and mile per hour, 331.45, at Joliet in 2006 and 2005 respectively. Johnson was runner-up in Chicago in Funny Car in 2003, and is looking toward victory circle this time around.

“Our Monster Energy team is right on the edge of a ‘monster’ performance if you’ll pardon the pun,” joked Johnson. “We have been harassed by little mechanical puzzlers here and there, but we’re right there. If we can get into a rhythm with some consistency, we’ll be going some rounds.”

Johnson made a final four showing earlier this year in Phoenix.

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Torco Racing Fuels Nationals begins Friday, June 6 at 3:30 p.m., followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

TORCO RACING FUELS NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – June 7 – ESPN2

5 – 7 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – June 8 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – June 8 – ESPN2

5 – 7 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON JR. HOPES MONSTER ENERGY TEAM HAS TURNED THE CORNER

TOPEKA, Kan. (June 1) – Driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. is confident the Monster Energy Funny Car team made important performance strides at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals.

The team qualified 11th (4.933/304.32) in a Funny Car field that lived up to its usual competitive standards.

In the opening round of eliminations, Johnson staged opposite Jerry Toliver. Though it was a very close match, Toliver won the round crossing the finish line with a 4.946-second elapsed time at 305.22 mph. Johnson clocked 4.950/305.36.

“All in all it was a very good weekend for the team,” said Johnson. “I think we made huge strides, not only in performance, but in reliability and consistency.

“The car ran good, we qualified decent, and in the first round, we ran another good number. It was a close race. I’m not disappointed with our performance.

“It does give us confidence going into Chicago next weekend when we know we have a car that’s competitive and has some consistency.”

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON LOOKING TO TURN SEASON AROUND IN TOPEKA

TOPEKA, Kan. - Besides considering Heartland Park Topeka a sort of hometown track,

native Iowan Tommy Johnson, Jr. thinks of it as his “lucky dog” track. He hopes his Kenny Bernstein-owned Monster Energy Funny Car team can capitalize on his past success May 30-June 1 at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals.

“When we lived in Ottuma, Iowa, Heartland Park Topeka was one of the tracks closest to where we lived,” explained Johnson. “We really considered it our hometown track. We still have many friends who come to that event so I always look forward to seeing familiar faces.

“But more than that, we’ve turned our season around at Topeka in the past and we hope to do it again this year. We are just so close to running some really competitive numbers, and we’ve been frustrated by little things here and there that have gone wrong mechanically.

“Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team are putting in the maximum amount of hours trying to get over the hump with these little gremlins. And believe me, it is a fight out there again this year. Each week we have in excess of 20 Funny Cars trying to squeeze a position in the top 16.”

Johnson was Funny Car runner-up at Topeka in 1999. He has always counted winning a position in the Cragar 4 Second Club as one of his coveted achievements and he accomplished this goal at Topeka in 1994.

“I have a lot of good memories about the Topeka track,” said Johnson. “I’d just like to add another one to the list at the O’Reilly Summer Nationals.”

Johnson’s best finish this season in the Monster Energy Dodge Charger is a semi-final appearance in Phoenix in February.

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the O’Reilly Summer Nationals begins Friday, May 30 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 2:30 p.m. with final eliminations set for 11 a.m. Sunday.

O’REILLY SUMMER NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – May 31- ESPN2

5:30 – 8 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – June 1 – ESPN2

11-11:30 p.m. ET

Eliminations – June 1 – ESPN2

4 – 7 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON CONFIDENT NEW MONSTER ENERGY CHASSIS HAS POTENTIAL

BRISTOL, Tenn. (May 17) – Tommy Johnson and the Monster Energy Funny Car team continue to make small improvements despite not making the quick 16 at the O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals.

The team was in the qualified field heading into the final session to set Sunday’s elimination field. They were bumped out in the Saturday afternoon qualifying session, but looked as if they were on a run that would put them back in the field when the Dodge Charger shut off before the finish line.

“The burst panels ruptured ,” said Johnson. “and we were out of power.

“I thought we’d be okay going into the last session. We were 16th, and I knew we’d have to make a better run, and I thought we would. We were bumped out, but then we had one more shot to get back in the field. We were on a decent pass, and without the problems we would certainly have come close. The car just shut off.

“There were just a few problems here and there throughout the weekend. It’s frustrating to have the problems, but at the same time I like the progress I’ve seen with this new car. I think it has a lot more potential. You’re always a little nervous coming into a race with a new car that has been tested but is unproven in race conditions. But this car really shows signs of coming around and running well. So if we can work a few of the bugs out that we had this weekend, then Topeka will be a different story. It isn’t like we’re a mile off now, we’re very close. We’ve just got to fine tune our new tune-up for this chassis and I think we’ll be fine.”

The NHRA circuit makes its next stop in Topeka, Kansas May 30-June 1.

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON TO DEBUT NEW CHASSIS AT BRISTOL;
WILL ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS MEDAL OF HONOR DINNER

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, hails Bristol Dragway as one of his favorite tracks on the 24-event NHRA tour.

“I just love this facility,” said Johnson, “plus Bristol, before it was renovated into the premiere facility it is now, was the site of my first alcohol Funny Car win in 1987.”

Johnson, who was in the final four at Phoenix in February, acknowledges that the start of the 2008 season has been much slower than expected.

“NHRA has mandated a rule change on our Funny Car chassis that will come into effect by the July Denver event,” said Johnson. “We have tested this new-style chassis twice, most recently after the last event in St. Louis. In both tests, this chassis has performed better. Since this Hadman-built chassis is showing so much promise, we plan to run it at Bristol.

“At the St. Louis event we ran one of our best elapsed times this season,” said Johnson, “Our team has been working around the clock to make more performance strides.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin at noon Sunday.

Monster Mentions: Johnson to attend Medal of Honor dinner. Tommy Johnson will accompany wife Melanie Troxel to the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation banquet, Thursday, May 15 at the grand ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta as guests of one of Troxel’s car owners Roger Burgess. Brian Williams, anchor of NBC nightly news and emcee of the dinner will pay respect to 25 Medal of Honor recipients. Also receiving tributes will be former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and Kimberly Dozier, the CBS correspondent who was so badly wounded in Iraq on Memorial Day, 2006. Dozier has written a book, Breathing the Fire.

“It is quite an honor to have an opportunity to attend this dinner,” said Johnson. “I’m looking forward to being in the company of some of our country’s real heroes.”

O’REILLY THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – May 17 – ESPN2

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – May 18 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – May 18 – ESPN2

6:30 – 10 p.m. ET

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON AND MONSTER ENERGY TEAM FIND POSITIVES IN PERFORMANCE
AT GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

MADISON, Ill (May 4) – Cool temperatures and overcast skies made ideal racing conditions during Saturday’s O’Reilly Midwest Nationals qualifying which harvested the quickest Funny Car field of the 2008 season.

Though the Monster Energy team clocked one of their best elapsed times of the year, 4.838 seconds, they failed to crack the starting line-up for the elimination field by .014 seconds.

“If there is a positive this weekend, I think we fixed a few of the issues we were having,” said driver Tommy Johnson Jr. “It just seems like we can’t get rid of the bad luck. Everything that can possibly go wrong seems like it’s going wrong. But the high spot of the weekend is that I think we did make some progress.

“We missed the third qualifying run due to a mechanical malfunction and that probably hurt us a lot. With the good conditions and the good air, we needed that run really bad. I think if we had had that, we would have run the 4.83 on the third run and then would have been able to improve on that in the final run. Missing that third run is probably what bit us. If nothing else, I think we made some progress with the race car. Hopefully that continues and we can learn something from it this weekend and make it better in Bristol.”

# # #

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.

O’REILLY MIDWEST NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – May 3- ESPN2

9-11 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – May 4 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – May 4 – ESPN2

7- 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM MAKES VALIANT EFFORT AT ATLANTA

COMMERCE, Ga. (April 26) -- Despite a gallant effort by the Monster Energy Funny Car team, at the end of Saturday’s qualifying sessions they fell just .054-seconds short of the top 16 that would transfer to Sunday’s Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals elimination field at Atlanta Dragway.

Crew chief Jimmy Walsh made countless adjustments over the course of the two days with minimal results.

“I came here with a positive attitude to try to beat this racetrack,” said driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. “We gave it a good fight. We went down the track every run. But the Funny Car class is so tough and so close that if you do have a problem throughout the weekend then you’re really in trouble. With as many cars as there are, there is no room for error right now. When there’s a glitch in the system, your back is against the wall.

“It’s frustrating to know you have such a good team and we have some little problem we just can’t seem to find. We’ll keep after it until we do figure it out.”

The NHRA circuit heads to St. Louis for the O’Reilly Midwest Nationals May 2-4 where the Monster Energy team will continue to battle back.

# # #

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. HOPES TO CHANGE HIS KARMA AT ATLANTA DRAGWAY

ATLANTA – Monster Energy Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. is approaching the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals April 25-27 with a positive attitude, hoping that a mental adjustment will help him turn the corner at a track that’s been too tough to tame.

“Atlanta Dragway has been a thorn in my side for the majority of my career,” said Johnson.  “I used to not look forward to going to Atlanta but I’ve changed my attitude.  Now I look forward to going there because I’m determined to beat that place one of these days.

“It’s been a struggle there for me.  For whatever reasons certain tracks are good to you and certain tracks aren’t.  I got runner-up there early in my sportsman career in 1985 and it’s not been so good since then.  I know what final rounds are like there so I’d like to get back to one.”

Johnson made a semi-final round appearance earlier this year in Phoenix and would like to make a final round appearance sooner rather than later.

“I set goals before the season started,” said Johnson.  “I’d like to get a win for Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) and for Monster this season, the sooner the better.  It’s a given that everyone wants to win, but Kenny and the Monster team were awful close to winning more than once last year.  I’d like to help them get over the hump.  If we can get that first win, I think others will follow.

“Atlanta would be a great place to start.  I’m looking forward to beating that place one of these days.  It would be a big win if we could accomplish that goal.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying is scheduled to begin Friday, April 25 at 3 p.m. with a second session at 6:30 p.m.  There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations set to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT SOUTHERN NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – April 26 – ESPN2

6 – 8 p.m.  ET

NHRA Race Day – April 27 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – April 27 – ESPN2

7 – 10 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY TEAM ENCOUNTERS ENGINE DIFFICULTY IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS (April 13) –  The NHRA Funny Car class established itself as one of the most competitive professional classes last year, and the trend continues in 2008. 

“I thought we made a little progress this weekend,” said Monster Energy Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr.  “We got two good runs in qualifying.  We had a little engine problem in qualifying Saturday morning and I thought we fixed that.”

 “In order to understand the level of competition, you have to take a look at the class as a whole,” continued Johnson.   “When John Force (14-time champion) doesn’t make the show, and you know you’re not doing as well as you’d like, it underscores the degree of difficulty in this class. Realistically, I think we’re making some progress.”

Johnson qualified No. 13 with a 4.924/309.49.

In the first round of race day action, Johnson had a substantial starting line advantage over opponent Ashley Force but was unable to capitalize on that lead.

“I couldn’t see her (Ashley Force) at first,” explained Johnson.  “I knew the Monster Energy car’s engine wasn’t running as well as it could be, and I was hoping for the best, but she finally came around me.  It’s frustrating to get qualified two races in a row and try to make a little progress and then encounter engine problems. 

“We’re planning to test the new car tomorrow here in Vegas and see if we can use that to help us figure out our gremlins.  Hopefully by the time we get to Atlanta, we will have learned why the engine has been hurting itself.”

#          #          #

TOMMY JOHNSON FEELS MONSTER ENERGY TEAM
IN GOOD POSITION TO GO ROUNDS IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – Monster Energy Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. is always excited to race at “The Strip” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, calling the Summit Racing.com Nationals April 11-13 one of his favorite events of the year.

“I’ve won there in the past,” said Johnson, referring to his 2001 Funny Car victory.  “It’s a fun race.  For whatever reason, I seem to drive really well there.  Maybe it’s because it’s a fun, relaxed atmosphere, but in my opinion, it’s probably the best track on the tour. 

“Our Monster Energy team tested there already this year and had great success.  I’m sure we’ll be looking back in our records to see what we ran there in testing.  We anticipate the car should run really well.  I have extremely high hopes.”

In addition to his 2001 victory, he was runner-up in the 2002 spring event, and runner-up in the 2006 fall event at The Strip.  Ironically Johnson shared  victory circle in 2001 with current car owner Kenny Bernstein who won in Top Fuel.  Brandon Bernstein won in Alcohol Dragster that day, the first time in NHRA history that a father and son had won at the same event.

“One of our sponsors is Summit Racing, and we also have New York-New York on board for this event,” continued Johnson.  “Besides digging really hard to get a victory for Monster Energy, we have additional incentive to bring home a ‘Wally’.”

The SummitRacing.com Nationals marks the fifth race of the season.  The Monster Energy Funny Car made the final four in Phoenix in February, but the team is looking for a final round appearance.

“We’ve just been battling little things that all the teams seem to be fighting,” said Johnson. “I know Kenny has done well at this track through the years, so maybe a little of the Bernstein Las Vegas luck will smile on us this weekend.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. with a second session at 4:30 p.m.  There are two Saturday qualifying sessions scheduled at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations set to kick off at 11 a.m. Sunday.

SUMMITRACING.COM NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY 

Qualifying – April 12 – ESPN2

8 – 10 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – April 13 – ESPN2

11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – April 13 – ESPN2

8 – 11 p.m. ET

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TOMMY JOHNSON’S DRIVING SKILLS HELPS MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM
MAKE GAINS AT HOUSTON

BAYTOWN, Texas (March 30) – Tommy Johnson, Jr. contributed an extra dose of driving skill to help the Kenny Bernstein-owned Monster Energy Funny Car team gain a round win at the O’Reilly Spring Nationals and positions in the NHRA point standings.

Johnson qualified No. 10 with a 4.913/303.16 for his 300th career event.

In the opening round of eliminations, Johnson squared off against veteran driver Gary Densham.  Both drivers were on and off the throttle, trying to get traction to the ground, and Tommy’s efforts paid off in the form of a round win, 6.088/217.63 to Densham’s 13.512.

“The Monster Energy car left really hard,” explained Johnson, “but it started to shake about 150 feet out.  The track conditions are way different from yesterday. (Much cooler today.) I was a little worried about tire shake and I was kind of ready for it.  I caught it pretty quick, but it just didn't want to hook up. 

“I pedaled it once and it took off.  But then it kept coming loose and coming loose.  I couldn’t see Densham and couldn’t hear him.  I kept watching the guard wall and the center line and kept pedaling.  I figured as long as I wasn’t close to either one and it was still running, I’d keep going.

“That was probably not text book on how to pedal a car, but that is text book on ‘never quit, never die and get there first on Sunday’."

In the second round against Tony Bartone, Johnson had to call on his pedaling skills once again. Though Johnson had a significant reaction time advantage, he was not able to capitalize on the edge that afforded him.  Both drivers were off and on the throttle and Bartone ultimately crossed the finish line first, 5.071/287.05 to Johnson’s 6.104/170.26.

“It was better early in the run than the first round but it got in trouble further down the track,” said Johnson.  “I really wasn’t expecting it to come loose but I corrected it and got back in the groove and it just wouldn’t hold out there.  The track has been marginal in the middle and we just had a little too much for that part of the track, I guess.  We had a good starting line advantage, but we couldn’t use it much.

“Even with the season we’ve had, we’re right in the point battle.  The class as a whole is really tough so there’s nobody running away with it. Even through the struggles you’ve got to keep digging because you’re not out of it by any means. 

“Hopefully we’re starting to turn the corner.  We just had small problems that everybody’s having.  If we were the only ones having these problems I’d be worried, but almost everyone in the class is having the same difficulties.  We just need to solve them before they do.”

Johnson is 11th in NHRA Funny Car point standings.

#             #             #

JOHNSON AND MONSTER ENERGY TEAM LOOKING FOR CONSISTENCY AT HOUSTON

BAYTOWN, Texas -- Tommy Johnson Jr. is hoping for sunny skies and a final round showing with the Monster Energy Funny Car at the O’Reilly Spring Nationals March 28-30.

Twice this season, rain has washed out two of the four qualifying sessions at national events.

“Trying to qualify for a race with the competitive field we have really puts a lot of stress on the crew chiefs when you only have two qualifying passes to make the show,” said Johnson.  “If you have any mechanical problems or miss the tune-up, you’re in trouble.

“I’ve got all my fingers and toes crossed that the weather will be good for the weekend and we’ll get four good, consistent runs in.  Ideally you need to get a good baseline run in the first Friday session, and then refine the tune-up to make a quick run Friday evening.  The Friday evening run is probably going to be the key to getting semi-locked into the field.  The qualifying procedure has changed somewhat from years past and leaves some spots open for Saturday, but a good Friday night run should definitely help the cause.”

Johnson was in the final four at the second event this season in Phoenix, his best showing to date.

“We’d like to get to the final round sooner rather than later,” continued Johnson.  “We had some good fortune at this track in 1994.  Houston Raceway Park is where we first went 300 mph to become the 15th member of the prestigious Slick 50 300 mph Club.  But we’ve never won here and we’d like to rectify that.

“Our Monster Energy Funny Car team has done a lot of testing this season.  In fact we tested the day after Gainesville and it doesn’t look like we have any glaring problems.  It just seems that conditions sometimes turn around and bite us.  I think we’re looking pretty good going into Houston.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, March 28 at 3 p.m. with a second session at 6 p.m.  There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, noon and 3 p.m. , with final eliminations kicking off Sunday at 11 a.m.

O’REILLY SPRING NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying - March 29 – ESPN2

4:30 -5 p.m. ET

And

10 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – March 30 – ESPN2

11 –11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – March 30 – ESPN2

4:30 – 7 p.m. ET

MONSTER ENERGY FUNNY CAR TEAM DIGGING DEEPER, TESTING MORE
FOLLOWING ACDELCO GATORNATIONALS

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 15) – The Monster Energy Funny Car team was riding momentum from two favorable test sessions and a final four showing in Phoenix, but they hit an unexpected snag at the ACDelco Gatornationals.

Persistent rain caused cancellation of Friday’s two qualifying runs.  With two runs remaining to set the field for eliminations, the pressure was on.  Though Tommy Johnson and the Monster Energy Funny Car team were qualified in the No. 13 position in the first round of qualifying despite a mechanical malfunction, a loss of traction in the second and final run, bumped them from the top 16.

“I tried to save the run,” said Johnson.  “When you’re down to two qualifying sessions you have to do everything you can to get down the track.  We had a mechanical failure on the first run, which made it more difficult.  The team fixed the problem and I thought we’d be fine. 

“I left the starting line good on the second pass and we got out there and I didn’t think it would be a low e.t. run, but it wasn’t a bad run either.  I thought we were capable of qualifying.  But I didn’t expect it to come loose out in the middle and lose traction like it did. I pedaled it and tried to save it. It ran as good as it was going to after smoking the tires at half track.

“It’s frustrating at this point.  We know the car can run.  We did a good job at Phoenix but it’s tough with two qualifying runs if you experience any kind of problem.

“We’ve got to continue to test a little bit more and get the car where it performs consistently and doesn’t turn and bite us.”

The Monster Energy team will test in Gainesville on Monday following the ACDelco Gatornationals.

#             #             #

TOMMY JOHNSON FIRED UP FOR GAINESVILLE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --  Coming off a strong performance at Phoenix, Tommy Johnson and the Monster Energy Funny Car team are excited about their prospects for the ACDelco Gatornationals March 14-16.

“Gainesville is one of my favorite tracks on the tour,” said Johnson.  “This track has a special place in my heart because the Gatornationals was the first event I ever raced in.  It was 1984 and I was running Super Gas.  There were 128 cars in the class, and we were down to six cars, and mine broke!  I’ve been chasing a victory at this track ever since, and this year I truly feel we have a talented team and a car that will be right in the hunt.

“At Phoenix, I think we showed what the team was capable of.  We were strong in qualifying and we had three very competitive runs on race day.  I no longer have concerns about qualifying.  Now we just want to go out and win a race.

“At the beginning of the season we set goals.  I’d like to get a win for Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) and for Monster this season. The sooner the better.  This team was awful close to winning more than once last year and I’d like to help them get over the hump.  I’d like to be in the top five at the end of the year.”

The ACDelco Gatornationals will mark the third event for Johnson racing under the Kenny Bernstein banner.  Bernstein surprised the racing community when he announced his 2007 Funny Car comeback at the wheel of the Monster Energy Funny Car.  In an equally stunning announcement in December of 2007, Bernstein revealed his decision to step out of the driver’s seat and named popular Funny Car shoe Tommy Johnson Jr. as his successor.

“I’m thrilled to be associated with this team,” said Johnson.  “Prior to Phoenix, we put forth some rigorous days testing, and we reaped big rewards in Phoenix.  I think what we learned will continue to pay dividends for us and I believe will be a contender all year long.

“Jimmy (Walsh, crew chief) and the members of this team really buckled down to make these performance strides.  It was very impressive.

“So we are looking forward to the East Coast season opener in Gainesville.  Ever since I’ve been a Monster Energy driver, I’ve never signed so many autographs!  I’m looking forward to meeting some new Monster fans at Gainesville Raceway.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m. with a second session at 3:30 p.m.  There are two qualifying sessions Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. , with final eliminations kicking off at 11 a.m. Sunday.

ACDELCO GATORNATIONALS 

NHRA RACE DAY – March 16 – ESPN2

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET 

Eliminations – March 16 – ESPN2

6 – 9 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. READY FOR FUNNY CAR BATTLE IN PHOENIX

PHOENIX – The Monster Energy Funny Car team has been hard at work testing prior to the Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals Feb. 22-24 at Firebird International Raceway.

The Kenny Bernstein-owned team is leaving no stone unturned to try to head into the second race of the season with a winning tune-up combination.

“I’m optimistic and pumped up,” said driver Tommy Johnson, Jr. “We’ve addressed the issues that plagued us at the season opener in Pomona, and we’ve made a 180-degree turnaround.

“I think we’ll rebound not only in qualifying, but I think we’ll have a good shot at winning, the car is running so well. I predict we’ll be a strong competitor right out of the box.”

Johnson won in Phoenix in 2006. Firebird International Raceway is the site of the first Top Fuel victory for Kenny Bernstein (1991) and his son Brandon, driver of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster.

Brandon won in his 2003 rookie season and answered back in ’04 with a second victory.

“Firebird has always been a good track for me,” said Johnson. “It would be neat if I could score the first victory for the team in Phoenix to keep the tradition going.

“I’m plenty comfortable with winner’s circle there,” Johnson joked.

Johnson has a total of nine career nitro victories, two in Top Fuel and seven in Funny Car.

“I felt very fortunate to get the ride with the Monster Energy team,” said Johnson. “Kenny runs his team and business like a machine. I’m proud to be associated with that.”

Kenny Bernstein retired from driving at the end of 2002, but drove a good portion of ’03 after his son, Brandon, suffered season-ending injuries in a race in Englishtown, N.J. In 2007, an opportunity to field a team for Monster Energy arose, and Bernstein jumped into a Dodge Charger Funny Car to compete in a category which he dominated with four-in-a-row NHRA championships from 1985-1988.

Bernstein scored two runner-up finishes in ’07, but when Tommy Johnson became available at the end of the year, Bernstein made the decision to step out of the cockpit and named Johnson as his successor.

“He’s a good driver and a good person, and I just felt the timing was right,” said Bernstein.

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the Checker Schuck’s Kragen Nationals begins Friday at 2 p.m. with a second session at 4:30 p.m. There are two qualifying rounds Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with final eliminations getting underway at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

CHECKER SCHUCK’S KRAGEN NATIONALS TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – Feb. 24 – ESPN2

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Feb. 24 – ESPN2

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Eliminations – Feb. 24 – ESPN2

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET

TOMMY JOHNSON REMAINS UPBEAT DESPITE FIRST RACE WOES

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 10) – Monster Energy Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson, Jr.  remains optimistic despite narrowly missing the top 16 for the NHRA season-opening CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway.

“It’s obviously not the way we wanted to start the year,” said Johnson.  “It’s frustrating because we have such a good team.  The big thing is there are 23 more races to go and you can’t let this one get you down that bad.  We’ve got a problem with the car and it’s just not performing like it should.  We’ve got a gremlin somewhere that we’ve got to fix and then we’ll be right in the hunt.  I hate it for the guys.  I hate it for Kenny (Bernstein, team owner) and for Monster.   We just want to get this (gremlin) fixed and get back out there and go rounds and show everybody what this team’s capable of.  It’s a long year.  We have a great group of guys on this team and we will get this turned around.”

The Monster Energy team will leave Monday morning to head to Las Vegas to test prior to the next race Feb. 22-24 in Phoenix.

#          #          #

TOMMY JOHNSON, JR. SETS GOAL FOR 2008 SEASON

POMONA, Calif. -- Tommy Johnson, Jr. has set goals for the 2008 season revolving around his new car owner, Kenny Bernstein, and the Monster Energy Funny Car team. 

He will begin to target those goals Feb. 7-10 at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals.

“Actually, there are two or three objectives,” confided Johnson.  “The first is to match Kenny’s performance on the starting line.  Kenny is the class of the field as far as driving and reaction time go and the bar is set pretty high.  We’ve compared driving styles and mine is different from his, but Kenny said for me to do what’s comfortable for me rather than trying to adopt his driving style. His words were, ‘You drive it like it’s yours.’

“Secondly, I’d like to get a win for him and for Monster this season, the sooner the better.  It’s a given that everyone wants to win, but Kenny and the Monster team were awful close to winning more than once last year.  I’d like to help them get over the hump.  If we can get that first win, I think others will follow.  I’d like to be in the top five at the end of the year, and from what we’ve experienced in testing, this team is capable.

“Kenny and I have formed a very good working relationship right off the bat,” continued Johnson. “He has respect for my opinions and we bounce a lot of ideas off each other.  There’s good chemistry there.

“The way this team is run is like a machine.  It’s very professional and organized and every member of Kenny Bernstein Racing gives 100 percent.  I’m proud to be associated with that.

“If there isn’t enough for every team to accomplish during the off season to prepare for testing and the impending ’08 kick-off, Jimmy Walsh (crew chief) and the team had to switch everything over on the chassis to fit me.

“These guys have given their all and I intend to do everything I can to contribute to the success of the Monster Energy team.”

Johnson was named pilot of the Monster Energy Funny Car in early December after Kenny Bernstein made the decision to step out of the cockpit.

“I was only contemplating driving one more year,” explained Bernstein, “but when Tommy became available at the end of the ’07 season, we started to give the situation a lot of thought.  We’ve been fortunate to win six championships, 69 races, and we have some milestone performance marks, chief among them, becoming the first to crack the 300 miles-per-hour barrier.

“I guess we could always look to win one more race or one more championship, but in reality, I’ve had a great career and many talented crew members who have helped mold my success through the years.  For me at this stage of my life, the right decision was to step away from the cockpit.

“Tommy is a good choice and we’re enjoying working with him.  We’ll roll to the starting line at Pomona with a seasoned, competitive team.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying for the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals will begin Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m., with a second session Friday at 2:30 p.m.  There will be two qualifying sessions Saturday, 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with final eliminations scheduled to begin Sunday at 11 a.m.

CARQUEST WINTERNATIONALS TELEVISION ADVSIORY

Qualifying –Feb. 9 – ESPN2/ESPN2HD

8-10 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – Feb. 10 – ESPN2/ESPN2HD

11 a.m. ET

Eliminations - Feb. 10 – ESPN2/ESPN2HD

7:30 – 11 p.m. ET