Ahten and 801 Racing Pull out the Nitro Jam Win

Courtesy of Athen Family Racing

Tucson, AZ – The Stump Puller lived up to its name this past weekend at IHRA’s Southwestern International Dragway. The crowd screamed and yelled. But they were not running for their lives, but running to the winners circle to congratulate Johnny Ahten on his Nitro Jam win.  Ahten defeated Bill Evans to take the Ironman trophy home to Southern California. This is Ahten’s second Nitro Jam Ironman, so now his 2010 Utah Ironman has some company on the shelf.

“We were so excited to get the win for all the folks that support us,” said Ahten. “Running a Pro Fuel car is not cheap, and I really want to thank 801 Racing, Island Renovations, Fireman’s Brew, Fire Ice, Hedman Hedders, and NGK Sparkplugs. I also want to thank my Dad and Crew Chief Al Ahten, as well as crew members Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Kevin Colvell, and Kelly Fitzgerald.”

The road to the final round was paved with a win over Cherissa Smallwood. In that round, Ahten set low elapsed time of the event with a 5.41. That kind of performance took the pressure off the team and allowed them to concentrate on the rest of the operation. In the finals against Bill Evans, there was a bit of drama on the starting line.

Raw fuel was coming out of cylinder #6. At the flash of the lights, a 059 reaction time gave Ahten the big lead. Evans was having trouble of his own, and tire smoke ended his day. After damaging a valve at the hit, Ahten motored down the quarter mile for the win with a 5.740/244.21. The 801 Racing 70W Racing Oil saved the engine and guaranteed the victory. As Johnny Ahten removed his firesuit at the end of the track, it began to sink in.

“It’s kind of lonely way down there on the top end. Bill came over and we shook hands and I waited for my crew to arrive,” added Ahten. “It was just me and the Stump Puller, and together we were the first to celebrate. The team finally got there and we headed to the winners circle. It was great to see all the fans waiting for us there. It was really special; even though we were rushed out of there a little quick for my liking.”

It’s understandable why Ahten wanted to stay and celebrate longer. His day had started at 6:30 in the morning. After the win, there was over two hours of work to do. The team finally reached their hotel room around 2am- nothing new in the life of a drag racer.  Johnny Ahten and the crew of the Stump Puller  wouldn’t have it any other way. Time has no bearing when you leave with the Nitro Jam Ironman trophy.