Pomona Finals Provides New Beginning for Ahten

Pomona, CA – The 2014 NHRA racing season ended in Pomona for Ahten Racing. As the crew arrived on the top end after the last qualifying pass, Johnny Ahten was standing next to his car with a look on his face that said it all. There would be no racing on Saturday, and no repeat victory, it was over.  The thing Johnny was thinking about was why. The car had the right tune up, and track conditions were optimal. The reason for tire shake had to be found, and Johnny, his crew chief Al Ahten, and team partner Howard Katano were going to find it. As the team packed up the car and headed home, the plan for the future was beginning to take shape.

“It was a heartbreaker to not qualify at our home track for the last race,” said Johnny Ahten. “Winning this race last year was amazing and we all wanted a chance to defend our title. The car experienced tire shake and we missed the cut. At the last national event in Vegas we were the number one qualifier. It just goes to show that drag racing can be tough. We have a task in front of us this off season, and we will find the answers. We know how to make the Island Renovations / Combust Filters dragster go fast. We had the quickest A/Fuel pass this year with our 5.202@269.73 run in Seattle. We qualified number one several times and went to four final rounds. The time off will allow us to review the chassis, the parts, and make the appropriate changes,” added Ahten.

The Pomona Finals was a chance to see old friends, celebrate drag racing, and end the season where it began. The 2014 NHRA season is now complete, and for Johnny Ahten, the gleam in his eye is one of determination. Ahten Racing is looking at the 50th Annual Auto Club NHRA Finals not as the end, but the beginning of something special.  To stay informed and entertained this off season, please visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing