"VAN" (Sports Desk - 09.07.2025) :: American drag racing legend Tommy Johnson Jnr has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming Nitro Nationals, which will host what is expected to be an explosive NDRC final for the fire-breathing 11,000hp/500kph+ Top Fuel and XPRO Nitro Funny Cars at Sydney Dragway on August 23.
Johnson Jnr is no stranger to the Australian drag racing scene, having made a number of appearances in recent years, and will return to the championship-leading Rocket Industries/Aeroflow team for the August event.
He will pilot the team’s XPRO Nitro Funny Car at the one day spectacular, filling in for impressive rookie racer Damon Paton who with his wife Dom is currently awaiting the birth of his second child and is therefore unable to attend.
The US veteran has competed in more than 450 NHRA events with 25 Wally trophies on his wall and is one of only 17 drivers globally to have sat behind the wheel of both Top Fuel Dragsters and Nitro Funny Cars.
The last time he raced on Australian soil in the XPRO Nitro Funny Car, he took home a runners-up trophy – this time, he is hoping he can go one further.
“I am really excited and honoured to be asked to drive the XPRO car and fill in for Damon,” Tommy said.
“He has had a good rookie season and hopefully we will do him proud in this final NDRC event for the season.
“Everyone on the Rocket, Aeroflow, XPRO, and Harts Paint Supplies cars have been great to work with.
“The last time I drove the XPRO car it ended with a runner-up, and I would love to get that Funny Car win this time.”
While missing out on the season-finale, Paton said he cannot wait for the first round of the new season.
“Dom and I are obviously very excited about our new arrival and as we sit out this event in August, we really appreciate all the support and well wishes we have already received,” Paton said.
“While we won’t be there in Sydney, rest assured we cannot wait to be back to kick off the first round of the championship when the new season gets underway.
“In the meantime, Tommy is a fantastic racer and it will be my same group of guys working on the car so will be a great opportunity for them to work with a guy with as much experience as TJ. I am looking forward to cheering on the entire team from afar.”
As well as featuring the highly anticipated 2024/2025 season finales for both Top Fuel and XPRO Nitro Funny Car, the Nitro Nationals will also play host to the recently announced Aeroflow Allstars Showdown, with invited racers in each Sportsman category to compete in front of a big crowd both in-person and via live broadcast with every race to be streamed across Australia and the US as these elite competitors battle for a $25,000 prize pool as well as the first ever Rocket Trophy for Sportsman racers.
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