After spending much of his off-season testing NHRA drag racing cars, Kurt Busch will make his first NHRA Full Throttle Series start at the 42ndt annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornational on March 11-13 at the Gainsville Raceway in Florida.
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[/media-credit]The stock-car champion will compete for one of 16 spots in the Pro-Stock class in his Shell Dodge Avenger for Allen Johnson and J&J Racing.
“Pro Stock is the tightest pro category as far as the elapsed time is concerned and it’s not going to be an easy task,’ Busch said. “I feel me teaming up with Allen Johnson and the Mopar folks, we’ve given ourselves the best opportunity to make the show.”
During one of his off-season tests, Busch earned his NHRA Pro Stock license with a speed of 210.43 mph at Bradenton, Fla. Last year’s top qualifier at the Gatornationals in the Pro Stock class was Mike Edwards with a time of 6.537-seconds and a top speed of 211.53 mph. Rickie Jones was the 16th driver with a time of 6.601-seconds at 209.10 mph. Under those circumstances and conditions, Busch would have qualified 11th with his off-season test time.
Busch competed in the NHRA Lucas Oil Series during the 2010 Tire Kingdom Gatornationals in a rebuilt 1970 Dodge Charger for Johnson. His time was limited due to weather and he finished with a first round loss.
“The 2010 event was an experience of a lifetime, the camaraderie with the sportsman guys was a truly fun experience,” Busch said. “Although it was tough to watch it rain for four days, the grassroots effort of the sportsman guys is what makes the true heart of NHRA racing.”
Tickets for the 42nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals are available by visiting www.NHRAtix.com or calling 800-884-NHRA (6472).
