Strong Pomona Numbers Give Ahten Motive

Courtesy of John Rogers
Photo courtesy of Troy Case

Pomona, CA – An unexpected second round exit last weekend at the NHRA’s season opening event at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona for Johnny Ahten may have been frustrating, but the run data and lessons learned have the Island Renovations/Combust Filters Team in high spirits. Strong numbers and qualifying in the fourth slot are positive steps moving into the 2014 season.

“We have enough power to run with the blown guys,” said Johnny Ahten. “The car felt mean and nasty with a touch of violent - it’s a monster. The air was great and on several runs it put me back in the seat big time. Over the off season we replaced the padding inside the cockpit and I needed all of it. I would also like to announce that we have added Aeromotive as an associate sponsor. The opportunity to stabilize our fuel system and assist Aeromotive in promoting their line of automotive and racing fuel systems and components has us really jazzed,” added Ahten.

The power of Ahten Racing’s nitromethane injected dragster, nicknamed the “Stump Puller,” was evident in Saturday morning’s first session when Johnny ripped off a 5.291/248.52. That run was only 248.52 miles per hour because Johnny lifted at 4.85 seconds as a planned shake down pass. The 227mph at half track shows a mid to low twenty! The day’s second session a 5.336/261.57 provided reassurance and a healthy top end charge. This performance landed Johnny with a first round match-up with Derik Milanesio. In the first race back after winning the 2013 Finals at Pomona, Johnny extended his round win streak to five with a quick pedal-job 5.453/260.41 to Milanesio’s 5.741/242.15.

Going into Sunday’s second round race against Casey Grisel, crew chief Al Ahten, with tuning input from Howard Katano and Johnny were looking to go quicker. Along with crew members Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, and Chuck Costabile, the Stump Puller was tuned up and ready for action. As Johnny left the line against Grisel, he was anticipating the possibility of having to pedal the car. What he was not expecting was after the initial tire shake was the Stump Puller moving sideways. “It was on a run, added Johnny Ahten. “Our .924 sixty foot time was good and the G-meter on the car was the highest I have ever seen it. There was no reason for the car to react the way it did, but in racing it happens.” Grisel crossed the line for the round win with a 5.480/266.27. Johnny could only coast down the track after his sideways drifting impersonation at just over 96 miles per hour and a 8.862 time slip. Gone was the round winning streak, and with it, the opportunity to garner a bookend trophy.

The first race of the 2014 NHRA season provided Johnny and the Ahten Racing Team a glimpse into their future. They have the power to run with the competition. Gone was the mystery of how big of an impact the various rule changes would affect the tune up. Added to the arsenal was positive tuning run data and a new association with Aeromotive. The winter break is finally over and the going-rounds mindset has taken over. Ahten Racing’s next race will be Feb 28-March 2 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, AZ. To stay informed visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing

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