SONOMA, Calif. (July 27, 2012) – Johnny Gray had a hot rod to contend with on the first day of qualifying at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. In the first session of qualifying, the Artesia, N.M.-based driver was third quickest of all in his Big O Tires/SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-Up Dodge Charger R/T, and in the second and cooler round, he did not advance in the line-up but improved in e.t. and speed. With conditions much more pleasant than last weekend in the heat and high-altitude of Denver, Gray raced to an exceptionally quick 4.137 at 308.78 mph in his first attempt at the Sonoma raceway surface. There were only two competitors quicker in the round: rookie drivers Courtney Force and Alexis DeJoria. Seasoned driver Gray and his Rob Wendland-led team anticipated an improved performance in the second session but came up a bit short of what they were aiming for and clocked a 4.079, 311.20. The time placed them in the No. 6 spot heading into the second day of the event. "I figured we would go out and run a 4.03 or a 4.04; we're plenty capable of it," said Gray. "But it left, spun the tires a little bit, and started sawing the clutch out of it and just never did catch up. The Big O Tires/SpeeDee Dodge was a good car today, she just didn't get it done." The second day of qualifying will kick off much earlier, with sessions beginning closer to noon on Saturday rather than late afternoon as they were on the first day of the event. The fresh time frame could allow for even better conditions and quicker numbers. "If the track is there, the air will be there," said Gray. "It sure is fun to come out here and go fast, and that's what we'll be aiming to do tomorrow." From: Kelly Wade
