Inside Line Promotions – PETALUMA, Calif. (May 12, 2014) – Chase Johnson is all smiles following his 410ci sprint car debut last Saturday at Petaluma Speedway.
Despite some tough luck, Johnson powered the Shawn and Cindy Thomas owned entry to a 13th-place result with the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series.
“It was a blast,” he said. “I was expecting a larger difference from the 360. Other than struggling with a couple of motor issues in the beginning of the night, I’d say we were really quick all night. I can’t thank Shawn and Cindy enough for the opportunity.”
The night began inauspiciously as engine issues plagued the team during hot laps and qualifying.
“We believe it was too rich and needed less fuel,” Johnson said. “My crew did a great job assessing that and figuring out the problem right away.”
Johnson qualified 18th quickest to miss the heat race inversion by a handful of positions, which lined him up on the outside of the third row for his heat race.
“I was looking for a transfer spot and before I knew it I was passing Shane Golobic, Jason Statler and Kyle Hirst,” he said. “The yellow came out with a couple of laps to go and I was in second place. I had the chance to get the heat race win, but Willie (Croft) was on it. It was really cool to have a chance to win the thing.”
By virtue of his runner-up performance, Johnson locked himself into the main event and he ended up tied for the most cars passed during the heat races.
“That was awesome,” he said. “I was even impressed with myself. It felt nice just to get the bugs out of the motor and after our finish in the heat, it was definitely a big confidence boost.”
Johnson started the main event on the outside of the eighth row.
“We got going really good,” he said. “I think we passed a lot of cars and were up to eighth and then we got a flat right rear tire. I just slowly lost positions and then I finally figured out what was happening so I came to a stop and brought out a yellow.”
The team changed the tire during the caution on Lap 23 and Johnson restarted at the tail of the field. He was able to pick up several positions in the closing laps to rebound with the 13th-place result.
“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back in that car,” he said. “Hopefully Shawn and Cindy give me the chance. It was really fun and really fast.”
Johnson will drive for the team during the USAC/CRA nonwing event at Petaluma Speedway on June 28.
This Saturday he is slated to return to Harley Van Dyke’s sprint car at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif.
QUICK RESULTS –
May 10 – Petaluma Speedway in Petaluma, Calif. – Qualifying: 18; Heat race: 2 (6); Feature: 13 (16).
SEASON STATS –
10 races, 0 wins, 3 top fives, 4 top 10s, 5 top 15s, 8 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif.
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.ChaseJohnsonRacing.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChaseJohnson24
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chase.Johnson.Racing1
APPAREL –
Johnson has new red, black or gray t-shirts and hoodies for sale at his race trailer at every race he competes in this season. T-shirts are $20 each and hoodies are $35 apiece.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – PitStopUSA.com
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“We’ve been partnered together for the last three years and it’s great to have their continued support,” Johnson said. “All that they do really helps out and we couldn’t do what we do without them. Make sure to check out their website and give them a call today. They have great products at great prices. Everyone at PitStopUSA is great and I couldn’t be happier to represent such an amazing company.”
Johnson would also like to thank Newman Freeman Racing, Johnny Franklin’s Mufflers, Napa Auto Parts, Shifty Illusions, Flowmaster, Don’s Truck Repair, VSR, Fast Lube Plus, K&N Filters, Oroville Cycle and I-Wear Graphix for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program and to join Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or InsideLinePromotions@gmail.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
- Shawn Miller on May 12, 2014
- Article Date: 5/12/2014 by Inside Line Promotions