Challenging Mission Regional Leads to Discovery for Ahten

Mission, BC – Last weekend Johnny Ahten traveled to British Columbia’s Mission Raceway Park for a West Regional race. The long trip ended with a picturesque racetrack, but the journey was just beginning.

Hours of work were spent going over the Stump Puller since the last race, and hopes were high. A first qualifying run on Friday was a conservative-tuned 5.604/258.32 that put Johnny in the number three spot for the day. Saturday’s Q2 session saw more favorable conditions and things were spiced up. The 5.698/256.92 was not what they had in mind. Frustration and wonder began to rise. The adjustments for the final session resulted in a 6.387/172.81 and the journey seemed to be getting longer. The Island Renovations / Combust Filters Dragster ended up in the number seven slot and garnered a first round match-up with number two qualifier Garrett Bateman. Discussions and inspections led to the conclusion that something was indeed wrong in the clutch. Round one was in the morning and pressure was on.

A replacement clutch was located and installed, and as the crew pushed Johnny to the line for Sunday’s first round it felt like the weekend was now twenty days long.  When the tree flashed the cars launched off the line. At the finish it was Bateman’s 5.301/270.75 taking the win over Johnny’s 5.501/265.01. The race ended in a loss, but it was actually a relief because the gremlin that was slowing down the car was vanquished.

“After a challenging race weekend, I’m very proud of the team,” said Johnny Ahten. “They never stopped working and continued on until we found our ‘gremlin’ – even though we were exhausted both physically and mentally. We had to overcome a mechanical oil pressure problem on Friday, and worked through our clutch issues. Thanks to “The Bull” A/Fuel team of Cliff Bax and Gordon Gingles for loaning is their spare clutch for E1.”

A long trip, a longer weekend, and then a grueling Monday drive to Oregon’s WoodBurn Dragstrip. The Stump Puller will be taking an extended nap until July’s Woodburn Regional race. Johnny has the clutch and a replacement is on the way. July can’t come soon enough for Johnny and the crew of Ahten Racing. Let the journey begin, again. To stay informed please visit: www.facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing