This weekend Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, will be a rookie again, but this time it’s in an NHRA Pro Stock dragster.
Driving the Shell Dodge Avenger, Busch, who usually drives for Penske Racing, will attempt to qualify for Sunday’s eliminations at the Gatornationals in Gainsville, Florida.
“It’s a whole different world than NASCAR,” Busch said.
“The toughest part is staging the car and, of course, cutting a good light; the thrill of the launch and the speed at the top end is why I’m so fascinated with drag racing. But I do know that heading to the Gatornationals and running with the pros, I will get a full dose of humble pie.”
“Kurt is right on target,” said Allen Johnson Busch’s mentor.
“His shifting is awesome for a newcomer, he’s got a simulator to work on it and practice, and in my opinion he’s right where he needs to be to qualify for Gainesville,” Johnson added.
Although Busch has 22 Sprint Cup wins and that Cup championship he’s aware that he’s dipping his toe in one of the most hotly contested divisions - NHRA Pro Stock.
“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.”
Busch is not the first NASCAR champion to go straight-line racing. Back in 1965 The King Richard Petty raced in the NHRA following his first NASCAR title.
Driving the Shell Dodge Avenger, Busch, who usually drives for Penske Racing, will attempt to qualify for Sunday’s eliminations at the Gatornationals in Gainsville, Florida.
“It’s a whole different world than NASCAR,” Busch said.
“The toughest part is staging the car and, of course, cutting a good light; the thrill of the launch and the speed at the top end is why I’m so fascinated with drag racing. But I do know that heading to the Gatornationals and running with the pros, I will get a full dose of humble pie.”
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| Allen Johnson (Photo: Mopar) |
“Kurt is right on target,” said Allen Johnson Busch’s mentor.
“His shifting is awesome for a newcomer, he’s got a simulator to work on it and practice, and in my opinion he’s right where he needs to be to qualify for Gainesville,” Johnson added.
Although Busch has 22 Sprint Cup wins and that Cup championship he’s aware that he’s dipping his toe in one of the most hotly contested divisions - NHRA Pro Stock.
“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.”
Busch is not the first NASCAR champion to go straight-line racing. Back in 1965 The King Richard Petty raced in the NHRA following his first NASCAR title.