Pomona Homecoming Bittersweet for Ahten Racing

POMONA, CA – There will be something big missing from the 2021 Auto Club NHRA Finals at Pomona. Ben Conant aka “Big Ben” of DJ Safety will not be there, but his spirit will be. Conant lost a battle with Covid-19 and left this world way too soon.

“Big Ben and DJ Safety was not only a huge supporter of Johnny Ahten Racing, but of many of the teams out here,” said Johnny Ahten. “He was the heart and soul of a strong racing community and will be sorely missed. We are racing this weekend in his honor.”

Johnny Ahten and his Top Alcohol Dragster know as the “Stump Puller” will be racing in the Top Alcohol Dragster class at the NHRA Auto Club Finals at the Pomona Fairplex November 11th to the 14th. Qualifying starts Thursday the 11th and continues through Saturday. Eliminations are scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday the 13th.

Ahten Racing’s last outing in Vegas saw a return to the 5.20’s and hopeful progress. Several mechanical gremlins prevented the team from advancing beyond their strong qualifying effort at the national event. Crew chief Al Ahten along with Bob Ahten, Vince Degl’Innoccenti, Brandon Chesleigh, Vaughn Bladen, Karen Bladen, Rick Cameron and Chuck Costabile are all prepared for a strong Pomona finish.

“We saw some performance gains in Vegas and are excited to race at our home track” added Johnny Ahten. “2021 has been another tough year, but we have assembled a strong group of people and we are confident in our car.”

Stay in touch with Johnny and Ahten Racing: facebook.com/JohnnyAhtenRacing, and on Instagram at: @Ahtenracing

Ahten Racing is supported by: One 11 INK, Advanco Fire Protection, ODYSSEY® Batteries, Island Renovations, DJ Safety, ARP Bolts, NGK Spark Plugs, Hussey Gaskets, Mechanix Wear Gloves, Goodson Tools and Supplies and CleanBoost Motor Oil along with Combust Filters

Release courtesy of John Rogers

Photos courtesy of Wayne Lederer and Ahten Racing