Amato said of the Johnson team, led by Blaine and his crew chief brother, Alan. They have a fast car. I knew it was in the cards that they could beat us. We still have the first 4.50. They can't take that away.
History is history.
Blaine Johnson, who was the points leader at that stage, was apologetic. I feel sorry for Joe. On the other hand, we've been working on this for a long time. We've been knocking on the door. Then he dedicated his victory to Leslie Lovett, the NHRA's longtime photo editor who had died of a heart attack the week of the race.