NHRA Driver Gets a DQ for Failing Breathalyzer Test at Track

A few drinks with dinner the night before has turned into a nightmare for NHRA Pro Stock driver Allen Johnson.

Johnson, who is second in the season points standings, was disqualified from the O'Reilly Auto Parts Nationals in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday after a breath test recorded alcohol in his system. The NHRA said Johnson, driver of the Mopar Dodge Avenger, registered a 0.027 reading on an alcohol breath analyzer during a drug and alcohol test Saturday morning at the zMax Dragway. The NHRA has a zero-tolerance regarding alcohol.

"I went to a late dinner (Friday) night with my family and had a few alcoholic beverages with my meal," Johnson said in a printed statement. "I felt no ill effects from the alcohol I consumed. This morning I learned I had been chosen for a random alcohol and drug test by the NHRA, one of many I have taken and passed over the years. I took it immediately even though I had 24 hours in which to take the test. Unfortunately, a trace amount of alcohol registered in my system, leading to my disqualification."

The NHRA rule book states any driver or official discovered to have a measurable blood alcohol content during racetrack activities shall be immediately barred from any further involvement or participation in the event. Johnson is subject to further disciplinary action as provided for in the NHRA's substance abuse policy.

A bad break for Johnson and his team and sponsors.

NHRA Goes Live on ESPN2 All Weekend

On such a busy sports weekend, it's amazing ESPN2 could carve out multiple hours in it's schedule for the NHRA U.S. Nationals, but they did.  It's great for drag racing fans everywhere.

Each Labor Day weekend, NHRA racers and fans descend on O’Reilly Raceway Park for the biggest, oldest, richest, and most prestigious drag race in the world, and many racers feel that no career is truly complete without a win at drag racing’s grandest event. The fabled strip is regarded by many as one of the smoothest on the circuit, and the stakes are indeed high. As it did two years ago, this event now serves as the kickoff for the Countdown to 1 playoffs and the six-race run to the Full Throttle championships.

ESPN2’s coverage of the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals begins Sunday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. ET with a one-hour qualifying program. At 11 a.m., NHRA RaceDay presented by Lucas Oil brings viewers up-to-date with the latest NHRA news and sets up the rest of the day’s action. Immediately following at 11:30 a.m., ESPN2 will telecast 2 ½ hours of U.S. Nationals qualifying. More qualifying coverage airs for two hours starting at 5 p.m.

Monday’s non-stop action kicks off at 1 p.m. with eliminations and finals. In addition to the ESPN2 telecast, fans can watch the entire day of eliminations for all classes live on ESPN3.com, ESPN’s live sports broadband network at www.espn3.com.

Season-long coverage of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series on ESPN and ESPN2 continues for the final five events, with finals action airing in prime time at 7-10 p.m. on Sunday nights and from 9-11:30 p.m. for the final three.