Johnson Rocks and Rolls in Memphis

Johnson Rocks and Rolls in Memphis

Memphis – The formidable trio of George Etterman, David Scheelk, and upstart Jonathan Johnson experienced the rock and roll that Memphis had to offer. After three sessions, the team qualified at No. 1 with an elapsed time of 5.649 seconds at 251.02 miles per hour and had high expectations for race day. However, after rocking through the qualifying sessions, the team rolled in eliminations.

With receiving a competition bye-run after first round when opponent Brian Grisham was unable to race, the team decided to try to go for it, resulting in tire smoke at the initial hit of the throttle. Consequently, this set up a semi-final match up with 2005 Division 4 Champion Jimmy Jones. Jonathan left first with a reaction time of 0.052 seconds, but the tires immediately began to smoke again. Noticing that Jimmy had not driven past him, Johnson tried to peddle the car to the finish line. With an opposite effect, the pressure from the car blew the burst panels, within both the blower and the body, and put a few windows in the oil pan. This unfortunate outcome allowed Jones to drive around Johnson for the win within the last few hundred feet of the track.

“Jonathan is just in a learning curve. He proved he could drive a 5.60 and 5.70-second racecar,” George proclaims. “David and I tried to give him a hand full, and he does not have a lot of time to react in a race that occurs in such a short timeframe. Jonathan felt horrible about what happened, but we will learn from this experience and prove ourselves once again in Houston. The team commends him for trying to get the car to the finish line first; however, you cannot peddle these cars as he could in his Super Gas car. We do not have much left to finish on the car, and we will be ready to rumble for the first qualifier in Houston,” Etterman asserts.

“It is very amazing that Jonathan analyzes every piece of the race and where misfortune hit,” states Jane Etterman. “For him to take that much concern with one run in our car proves that he is committed to the sport, as well as his driving abilities. Jonathan is a young driver, but he has the passion and talent to flourish into one of the best,” Jane exclaims.

“I simply made a rookie mistake; not only did it cost me the round, but it cost us some parts as well,” Jonathan admits. “As I look back on this, I think there are so many things that I could have done different, but I have plenty of time to think back on the situation and grow as a driver. I hate that I made this mistake, and misfortune happens to everyone once, but that still does not make it okay on my behalf. I am ready for Houston’s Friday morning session so I can redeem myself. Houston Raceway Park is my home track, and I am looking forward to a great weekend for the team and all of our marketing partners,” concludes Johnson.

“Jonathan’s mind is always on racing, especially when something like this occurs,” Katie Ward, marketing & graphics, says. “He was very distraught after the second round of eliminations, but after some contemplation, Jonathan’s optimism took over and he realized that he cannot get down or worry while in the car. Hopefully, this run was one out of hundreds that Jonathan will encounter within this car, and I know he will learn from his mistakes,” Ward asserts.

For more information on Etterman Racing or their Marketing Partners, please visit their website at www.etterman-racing.com.

Contact: Katie Ward
Email: katie@etterman-racing.com