Larry Dixon and Alan Johnson Racing Agree to Split

Alan Johnson Racing and driver Larry Dixon have agreed to a mutual separation, it was announced late on Monday.  Alan Johnson Racing manages the two-car Top Fuel operation of the Al-Anabi Racing Team. 

Dixon joined the Al-Anabi Racing team when it was founded in 2009 and had a great deal of success.  He finished second, first and fourth in his three seasons at Al-Anabi Racing winning 19 races.  He is a three-time NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel champion. The reasons leading to this mutual decision are private team matters; no further information will be provided, and no interviews will be granted.

“Larry has been an integral member of Al-Anabi Racing for the past three seasons,” Alan Johnson Racing team owner and Al-Anabi Racing team manager Alan Johnson said.  “He was instrumental in our successes including winning our first NHRA Full Throttle championship in 2010. He represented Al-Anabi Racing, Full Throttle and the NHRA as a great champion.

“As difficult as some decisions can be, there are times when they become necessary but can be best for everyone involved. I am proud to have raced with Larry, and I have great respect for his driving ability. I know I speak for everyone at Al-Anabi Racing when I wish him all the best.”

“I enjoyed my three seasons driving the Al-Anabi Top Fuel car," Dixon said.  “We had a lot of wins and definitely the highlight was the NHRA Full Throttle Championship last year.  I have many fond memories of working with Alan, Jason and our crew, but I am anxious to see what the future has in store for me.  I want to thank Sheikh Khalid, Alan and everyone at AJR for my time there and wish them all the best.”

With driver Del Worsham’s retirement on Nov. 21, Al-Anabi Racing must now fill two driver’s seats as the team will field two Top Fuel cars for the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Additional announcements will be forthcoming.

Al-Anabi Racing operates out of multiple locations in both the United States and Qatar.  In the United States, the Brownsburg, Ind.-based operation is a two-car NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series team fielding entries in Top Fuel competition that is managed by Alan Johnson Racing.  At the forefront of this team is His Highness Sheik Khalid Al Thani’s goal to promote the domestic and international awareness of Motorsports in the nation of Qatar.  Alan Johnson is a 14-time NHRA national champion.  For additional information on the Al-Anabi Racing Team, please visit www.alanabiracing.com. 

NHRA Driver Brandon Bernstein Blows Tire, Avoids Bad Crash in Reading

NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driver Brandon Bernstein blows a rear tire during qualifying this weekend in Reading, PA.

He did a great job of keeping his car away from hitting Doug Kalitta who was in the other lane.