Gray and Johnson form two-car alliance
Johnny Gray, team owner and driver of the S.K.I. Racing Dodge Stratus has announced that he and Allen Johnson of Johnson & Johnson Racing have formed a two-car team alliance for the 2009 and 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing seasons. This new coalition will create the ability for the two teams to work together as one, while racing under separate banners. Gray will continue to run the S.K.I. Racing Dodge Stratus and Johnson will carry on with the Mopar/J&J Racing Dodge Stratus.
“Aligning with Allen is a tremendous opportunity,” Gray said. “Allen and his dad, Roy, have the talent and experience that will bring my team to the top. They are a first-class operation and I am proud to be associated with them. In today’s environment, as tough as the Pro Stock field has become, I feel the opportunity for Allen and I to team up will help both teams by sharing information and becoming more competitive. We’re looking to try and cash in on some of the same opportunities the two-car teams, like Summit and Cagnazzi already experience.”
Gray has a long and successful racing career, having driven everything from sprint cars to Nitro Funny Cars, and has competed in seven different NHRA eliminator categories. He was the first driver to exceed 200 mph in a gasoline-powered car, make the first Comp Eliminator runs in the 6.70’s and 6.60’s, and has earned wins in both Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car. This year he settled into Pro Stock, where he plans to stay for a while and perhaps grow his team into a family affair.
“I enjoy Pro Stock racing,” said Gray, “and have long-term plans for my team. My son, Shane runs a B Altered in Comp Eliminator and if everything goes well with Allen next year, I’d like to bring in Shane in the 2010 season and let him get his feet wet.” (James Drew photo) [10/1/2008]
Gates wins Governors Cup
Eric Gates, driving the Gates Motor Supply Funny Car, won the 2008 Governors Cup CIFCA Championship at Sacramento. This race was the first CIFCA race to use the new and quicker 7.20-second index. Eric qualified number three at 7.22 and used a first round 7.206 and a second round 7.202 on his way to the fourth and final round win over Jamie Lappanen driving the “Arizona Thunder” F/C. This was Ellis’s first season and only the fifth race with the car. (Jason Ellis photo) [10/1/2008]
Michael Knight’s looks at how the Wall Street crisis may affect drag racing going forward
Michael Knight’s All Business column for October is now up, instead of waiting for the regular 8th of the month for DRO’s new issue. He talks about the recent passing of Michael Hollander and actor/racer Paul Newman (seen at right above with Knight). Knight did PR for Newman’s CART/Champ Car team for 11 years. Most importantly, Knight voices his opinion over what the current Wall Street mess might do to NHRA and IHRA race car and race sponsorships. (photo courtesy Michael Knight) [10/1/2008]
Please, save us from the drag racing gags … er, we mean gangs!
And speaking of Michael Knight (no, it’s not the same one who writes for us), the new incarnation of “Knight Rider” will debut on NBC tonight (Oct. 1) at 8 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific)/ 7 Central. The synopsis? Michael and KITT take on a drag racing gang. Oh, puh-leez! Watch it if you dare and let us know what you think. [10/1/2008]