PRO STOCK'S AJ CONTINUES TO DELIVER WINNING GAME PLAN

Allen Johnson’s Mopar Dodge Avenger has been a measure of consistency all season.

He didn’t change his game plan at NHRA’s Fall Nationals in Dallas.

Johnson made a clean sweep of the event title by qualifying No. 1 and defeating Erica Enders in Sunday’s final round.

Johnson clocked a 6.598-second run to defeat Enders who slowed to 6.835 seconds.

“We have a great crew right now, making great decisions,” Johnson said. “We have great power with dad (Roy Johnson) and the engine guys. The driver fortunately has done his job (Sunday) and we just have to be consistent. That is a word we have preached all season, consistency. The Mopar Dodge Avenger was consistent. We were low all four qualifying rounds and I think we were low two out of the four rounds (Sunday) and we got the job done.”

This was Johnson’s fifth win of the season in eight final round appearances. Johnson now has 14 career national event wins.

More importantly, Johnson remains atop the point standings, 93 points in front of reigning world champion Jason Line.

Johnson beat Warren Johnson, Dave Connolly, and Vincent Nobile before meeting Enders.

“We knew it was going to be tough going in,” Johnson said. “We got the side of the ladder and I looked at it (Saturday night), and I knew I was going to have to work (Sunday). We just took it one round at a time. We are not getting ahead of ourselves. Every qualifying round is as important as Sunday rounds. We are trying to build those little points, trying to just stay consistent and stay calm. I’m up for this challenge and I’m enjoying it and I’m working at it.”

Johnson and his team return to action Friday through Sunday at Midwest Nationals in St. Louis.

“You wish it (the next race) was (Monday) to keep it going,” Johnson said. “We have a little maintenance to do and the crew is tired. We have been on the road four weeks in a row already. The guys are ready to go home and see their wives and relax a little bit and one of the guys told me a minute ago, we are not fast enough let’s stay (Monday) and test. I told them, you go tell them.”

During this memorable season, Johnson has made a point to cherish every moment.

“I’m not going to reveal it until it is over, but somebody (who has won several championships) called me and gave me some really good advice before this thing ever started,” Johnson said. “He told me to enjoy it and have fun. I will reveal that if we do it (win the championship) and say it was very important.”

Racing at St. Louis, which has been off the NHRA schedule for a few years, would seem to present a challenge for Johnson, but he does have some data about the track.

“Fortunately we were one of just three teams that tested there (St. Louis) this year,” Johnson said. “We got a little data in the bank. We went there right before Chicago (June 28) and tested there for three days. The track had not changed much. The starting line will be very, very good. Down track can be a little marginal. The air is going to be awesome there. I have already looked at it, it is going to be in the 70s, and what we are hoping for as the team out front is the chance to set the national record and get 20 more points. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but we are looking for every opportunity for points.”

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