craig_wack's avatar
Author:
Craig Wack
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
  • Related Photos
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
NHRA: Move To New Team Revitalizes Dixon
Written by: Craig Wack
Go2Geiger.com   http://www.go2Geiger.com
06/24/2009
Porter, TX
 
While the winning is nice, the most striking thing to Larry Dixon about his new team is that goals are high and going to the track is fun again.

"In anything that has gone on, be it the car or performance or me not performing, there's not been anyone who's been down," Dixon said. "That is such a new thing for me. Everybody is building for the long term. You aren't going to build Rome overnight. You are going to try. This team hasn't won 15 straight races yet, it took them five years to do that."
Larry Dixon's been a steady threat all year long in the Al-Anabi Top Fueler. (Go2Geiger.com) ยป More Photos

Dixon added that the long-term perspective was that drew his attention to Alan Johnson' startup operation.

"I joined this team because Alan Johnson was building for the future and he wanted me to be a part of it," Dixon said. "I was pretty flattered by that. I'm not just in it as a one-year thing. You hope you get results, but there are no guarantees."

Since joining Alan Johnson Al-Anabi Racing, all eyes have been monitoring the organization's progress. After slow start at Pomona where the car didn't qualify in the one round that was run between numerous rain showers, the whispers about the team began. However after digging themselves that small hole, Dixon and his crew have been getting results and moving up the Top Fuel point standings.

Heading into this weekend's event in Norwalk, Ohio, Dixon is coming off his second victory of the season he's climbed into third place in the Full Throttle standings.

"I've been trying to fit in and do my part," Dixon said. "It's probably taken me a little
longer to get up to speed, but I like where we're going and what we're doing."

Dixon added that in putting this team together, Johnson largely stepped and let the crew chiefs do what they need to do to win.

"Alan puts a lot of faith in my crew chief Jason (McCulloch) and (Del Worsham's tuner) Aaron Brooks to prep the cars in the fashion they need to be done," he said. "When Alan rolls in on the weekend, everything is ready to go -- cars, people, pit, all of that. Everyone is trying to carry their own weight and there's a lot of talent and a lot of skill at every position."

Dixon added that with the success his team has been having, this year is shaping up to be one of the better points battles he's been a part of.

"The years I won the championship it was Kenny Bernstein, Doug Kalitta and myself, followed by Brandon (Bernstein), Doug and myself," Dixon said. "This year, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, and our team have all been in the most final rounds so far. Then you have Brandon and Cory McClenathan and a couple of other teams that can step up and win an event. By the time we get to the Countdown, where you don't have to put together a season-long run together, you only have to have your act together for two months. I hope we're in position to get hot and win the championship."
View All Comments