Thousands of race fans jammed into South Georgia Motorsports Park Saturday afternoon for the special “Chicago Style” Shootout portion of the Eastern Spring Test Nationals presented by Torco's CompetitionPlus.com in Valdosta, Ga. The fans were treated to an excellent of day of racing that concluded with NHRA stalwarts Allen Johnson and Chip Ellis joining other class winners in post-race celebration. 

“I have so much fun out here testing with these fans,” said Johnson after he defeated teammate Richie Stevens in the final round. “The race fans get to see us in a relaxed atmosphere and I think that is very important. It is great that we are off to a good start in testing with these Mopar cars.” 

Prior to the final round, Johnson and Stevens poked fun at one another via the PA system while sitting in the staging lanes. 

Stevens fired the first shot by pointing out that Johnson was strapped in the car early. “He's one of those older guys who has to get in the early; it takes him a lot longer to get into the car,” Stevens said jokingly. 

Johnson responded with, “Yeah, we ought to do well. We have a weak opponent.” 

The Mopar-sponsored veteran was the low qualifier with a 6.667 but needed only 10.744 seconds to gain the special “Golden Eagle” trophy when Stevens fouled away a 6.674 effort. NHRA POWERade Pro Stock rookie Roger Brogdon had top speed of the day with a 207.02 blast. 

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