Johnson Enjoys His Inaugural Chili Bowl Driving for Cole Wood Racing

From Inside Line Promotions

Tulsa, OK — (January, 22, 2014) – Chase Johnson chose a stiff challenge for his first race in a midget.

Piloting a car for Cole Wood Racing, Johnson tackled the 28^th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire at Tulsa Expo Raceway last week, when nearly 300 of the top drivers competed in the premier midget event.

“The first time in a midget was a blast,” he said. “It was a lot different than I was expecting. I really hope we get to race more races in the midgets. They are super fun and one of the funnest types of cars to race.”

Johnson started his qualifying night a week ago Wednesday by advancing from third to second place in the opening laps of his heat race.

“We had a rookie mistake,” he said. “We were running second to J.J. Yeley and I ended up hopping on top of the berm and spun out. My crew guys and my family had to remind me that I’m a rookie.”

Johnson fell to last, but rebounded to post a fifth-place result. That sent him to a C Main, which he finished in third place to transfer to the back of a B Main.

“I just didn’t have enough laps to get the job done,” he said.

Johnson rallied from 15^th to ninth in the consolation race, which lined him up fifth in an F Main during Saturday’s finale.

“Saturday was another good learning experience,” he said. “I felt like we were fast out of the gate. We got rolling in the F Main and were able to transfer. We tagged the back of the E Main and we ended up spinning out in turns three and four. It’s just so hard because you have so many cars to pass and not many laps to get it done.”

After maneuvering from fifth to third place in the F Main, Johnson transferred to the back of an E Main and he ended 11^th to close his inaugural Chili Bowl.

“I’d love to go back,” he said. “It was a blast and I had a great time with the team. I just can’t thank Cole Wood Racing enough for the opportunity. I hope we can get back there next year and in more years to come.”

Johnson will kick off his sprint car season in approximately two months.

QUICK RESULTS –

Jan. 15 – Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla. – Heat race: 5 (3); C Main: 3 (4); B Main: 9 (15).

Jan. 18 – Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla. – F Main: 3 (5); E Main: 11 (15).

SEASON STATS –

2 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 top 15s, 0 top 20s

UP NEXT –

TBD

VOTE FOR CHASE –

Please take the time to vote for Chase in Champion’s Search for a Champion campaign at http://alwaysachampion.com/search-for-a-champion/entry/1568280.

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.ChaseJohnsonRacing.com