Ahten and the Stump Puller ready to Defend at Salt Lake Nitro Jam
Courtesy of Athen Racing
Salt Lake City, UT – Johnny Ahten is heading to the Salt Lake Nitro Jam with the mindset of a defending champion. You see, back in 2010, Ahten and his Pro Fuel Dragster not only won the event, he reset the track record at Rocky 
Mountain Raceways with a blistering elapsed time of 5.56 seconds. Ahten did not compete in the event in 2011, so to Ahten, it’s a title defense.
“The way the Nitro Jam events are set up, it’s unload the car, and swing for the fence,” said Ahten. “We know what it takes to go fast in Salt Lake, and the crew and the Stump Puller are ready to crank out the long ball.”
Tuning a Nitromethane powered dragster is a tricky thing. It’s a good thing that Crew Chief and Johnny’s Dad, Al Ahten has all the numbers from 2010 when they set the track on fire. The Ahten Racing crew of Howard Katano, Bob Ahten, Chuck Costabile, and Todd “Rocky” Rockwell will be proving the needed muscle and technical advice.
Making things a bit easier on the team are some new grinding stones and assistance from Goodson Tools & Supplies. Also aboard the Stump Puller is Island Renovations, and promotional Partner Fireman’s Brew. Tools, Hawaiian sunsets, and beer are a winning combination in anyone’s book.
There is one other thing that makes the Salt Lake Nitro Jam special. Utah is the home of sponsor 801 Racing. They offer the precious 70Wt Racing Oil that makes the Stump Puller so deadly. The gang from 801 Racing will be there in person to watch the Johnny Ahten lower his record time and make it feel like 2010.
“We have put a lot of time and effort into this new engine combination,” added Ahten. “I can’t wait to feel how fast the changes will feel. We spent weeks tearing things down to the bone, and building the car into a stronger, meaner, and faster machine. I plan to hold on and enjoy the ride.”
Johnny Ahten and the Stump Puller are also looking to add to their Nitro Jam trophy collection. A 2012 Tucson Nitro Jam Ironman is sitting on Johnny’s shelf, and it’s lonely. This weekend the new and improved Stump Puller will be looking to cure that, with a Pro Fuel grand slam.
