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Melanie Johnson Breaks Personal Record with Runner-Up Win at Texas Motorplex
Highlights
- Melanie Johnson finished runner-up at NHRA Texas Motorplex event
- Johnson set a personal best 5.173-second qualifying run
- Johnson defeated Chris Demke in opening elimination round
- Alan Bradshaw narrowly beat Johnson by 0.021 seconds in final
- Johnson to compete in NHRA Texas FallNationals and Jegs Allstars
- Event activities begin October 15 with fan events planned
Melanie Johnson claims runner-up at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional at Texas Motorplex, setting a personal-best 5.173 seconds to top qualifying and open the Stampede of Speed.
Her pace holds through eliminations. She defeats Chris Demke with a 5.222 at 277.38 mph to 5.406 at 274.07. A 5.219 in the semifinal sets a final against Alan Bradshaw.
Personal-best 5.173 sec at 277.71 mph secures No. 1 qualifier.
Johnson runs 5.240 at 275.20 mph in the decider, but Bradshaw answers with 5.227 at 275.13. The margin is 0.021 seconds, underlining the class’s fine performance spread.
Consistency defines the weekend. The Speedmaster dragster repeatedly reproduces low‑5.2s, suggesting a stable clutch and fuel curve. AJPE hardware appears well matched to the Motorplex surface and autumn conditions.
Top Alcohol Dragster balances supercharged methanol power against weight and blower rules. That framework rewards clean launches and early incrementals, which Johnson converts into lane choice and pressure in eliminations.
Final decided by 0.021 seconds as Bradshaw edges Johnson.
Execution also stands out. Crew calls keep the tune within a narrow window as track temperature swings. The car tracks straight, reducing steering input over the full pass.
The programme now pivots to the second weekend, where Johnson contests the Top Alcohol Dragster field at the NHRA Texas FallNationals and the Jegs Allstars at Texas Motorplex.
Johnson doubles up: FallNationals and Jegs Allstars appearances confirmed.
Season-long points secure her regional berth. Backing from AJPE, NGK Spark Plugs, Lucas Oil, ARP, Shift Up Now, and WIMNA sustains parts turnover and dyno development through a demanding schedule.
Event activities begin Thursday, October 15, with fan engagements planned throughout the Stampede of Speed. Johnson joins the Pre-Stage FanFest for autographs, alongside Jegs Allstars and Mission Foods entrants.
The broader Texas narrative remains busy, with regional contenders building form. Notably, Kirk Wolf’s recent Texas challenge underlines the performance gains possible during this fortnight.
Visual Summary
NEW Personal Best!
Melanie Johnson
Bradshaw
🥈 Runner Up!
5.173s
Career-Best E.T.
Career-Best E.T.
277.71 mph
Top Speed
Top Speed
+0.021s
Losing Margin
Losing Margin
🔧 Teamwork + Sponsors:
AJPE
NGK
Lucas Oil
ARP
Shift Up Now
WIMNA
NGK
Lucas Oil
ARP
Shift Up Now
WIMNA
Next Up: The Showdown Continues!
Johnson takes this momentum into NHRA Texas FallNationals
See her at Pre-Stage FanFest for autographs & fan action.
🏁
See her at Pre-Stage FanFest for autographs & fan action.
🏁
Will Melanie grab her next win under the Texas sun?
Event Info
Miles Carter covers grassroots and regional drag-strip action, from bracket racing to street-legal shootouts. His event previews and performance-upgrade guides keep local racers up to speed on timing-slip trends, tire tech, and weekend race highlights.
