Ahten Makes Semi-Finals in Arizona

Chandler, AZ – As Johnny Ahten towed back to the pits after his final race at the NHRA Regional race at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, the realization that this would be his last in his current car came to mind. To solidify that feeling, waiting in the Ahten Racing pits was the new owner waiting to take delivery. Back at the Ahten Racing shop, a new car lays in wait. Johnny and the Island Renovations/Combust Filters will field the new car at their next race in Top Alcohol Dragster.

“We sent the old car off right with a string of five consecutive runs in the 5.30’s.” said Ahten. “Those runs made it easier to say goodbye to the old car and is a true testament to my crew. Crew Chief Al Ahten and Ahten Racing partner Howard Katano gave me a great car and Bob Ahten and Kevin Colvell did an amazing job. Dismantling the car after the race was quite a task, but there was no complaining. Having a new car back home hungry for a Nitromethane injected Hemi might have had something to do with it,” added Ahten.

The Regional race saw Johnny put down a 5.360/260.46 time in Friday’s first qualifying session. The second pass produced a 5.37/259 on less than eight cylinders. Johnny was slotted in the in the fifth position, and would race the second Maddern Racing car driven by Ray Martin. In Saturday’s elimination round, Johnny got a great start and the win with a 5.334/260.06 over Ray Martin’s 5.583/222.80. It was on the semi-finals and a meeting with the other Maddern Racing car driven by Chris Demke. Johnny left on Demke and was off and running. “I saw Chris at about 1000’ feet and then I didn’t. We slowed and he came around me and took the win with a fine 5.275/273.27 to our 5.348/258.07,” added Ahten.

The drive home from Arizona without a race car in the trailer was something different for Ahten Racing. The car was sold, and the task of completing the new car in time for the Vegas National race is the next hurdle. The weekend’s performance and round win did make the trip easier, and there was still a fire-breathing nitro-injected beast in the back of the race rig. To stay informed visit:  www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing