Valve Spring Drops Johnson, KOMA Unwind To 24th

Gallison (R) and Moody talk strategy

Kenly, NC – A broken valve spring ended the evening early for driver Jerick Johnson and the No. 30 KOMA Unwind Chevrolet in the “Dogwood Blossom 150” at Southern National Motorsports Park Saturday, but did little to dim the team’s optimism after en encouraging 2013 season debut. 

Johnson time-trialed only 21^st fastest, but dominated his heat race, taking the lead early and pulling away to win by a half-straightaway. The KOMA Unwind Chevrolet started 21^st in the 150-lap main event and quickly began making its way forward at the drop of the green flag. Johnson cracked the Top-15 almost immediately, despite running at less than full throttle. 

“I was just riding, letting people settle down,” he said. “These are long races, and you need to save your tires for the finish. Right from the beginning, though, I knew we had an awesome car. In all my years of racing, I don’t think I’ve ever had a car that handled that well and pulled that hard off the corners.” 

Johnson (30) passes Bill Catania

Unfortunately, after dodging a crash on Lap 41, Johnson radioed to crew chief Jim Gallison, Jr. that the engine in the KOMA Unwind Chevy had developed a vibration. He pitted under caution on Lap 58, and the team diagnosed a broken valve spring that ended their day. 

“We’re disappointed, but still smiling,” said Johnson afterward. “I ran easily with Blake Jones and Brandon Ward, and they ended up third and eighth. Without the engine issue, I have no doubt that we would have been a Top-5 car; Top-7 at the worst. 

“We’ve really got something to work with here. Jim did a great job with the set-up and gave me a tremendous car for the race. I can’t wait to get back on track at South Boston Speedway next month. I wish it was tomorrow!” 

Jerick Johnson and the KOMA Unwind/Godfather Motorsports team return to action on Saturday night, May 11 in a 150-lap Pro All Stars Series event at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Virginia. 

Official Finish – PASS “Dogwood Blossom 150”

Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, NC

#4 - Jay Fogleman
2. #26 - Preston Peltier
3. #80 - Blake Jones
4. #31 - Kyle Grissom
5. #98 - Jody Measamer
6. #05 - Alex Flemming
7. #35 - Derek Ramstrom
8. #62 - Brandon Ward
9. #2 - Trevor Noles
10. #48 - John Batten
11. #09 - Randy Gentry
12. #57 - Cole Timm
13. #104 - Kevin Powell
14. #18 - Bill Catania
15. #22 - Tyler Audie

16. #97 - Brandon Lynn
17. #129 - Spencer Davis
18. #8f - Tate Fogleman
19. #89 - David Latour Jr
20. #13 - Joe Ryan Osborn
21. #28 - Jared Irvan
22. #08 - Joseph Mursulo
23. #7 - Tyler Church
24. #30 - Jerick Johnson
25. #18k - Keith Oliver
26. #1 - Justin Oliver
27. #50 - Karl Weber
28. #15 - Tanner Rumburg
29. #M3 - Sheldon McNail, Jr.
30. #51 - Bobby Measmer

About Godfather Motorsports – Godfather Motorsports is owned by Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio personality Dave Moody and enjoys major sponsorship from Bebida Beverage Company’s KOMA Unwind "Liquid Relaxation" drink. The team also boasts a comprehensive list of technological and marketing partners that includes Eibach Springs, ASM Graphics, Race 101, CV Products, ARBodies and Phantom Racing Gear. For additional information on the team and marketing opportunities with Godfather Motorsports, contact Dave Moody -- mrnturn1@hotmail.com. Visit the Godfather Motorsports website at www.GodfatherMotorsports.com.

About KOMA Unwind -- Developed by BeBevCo., KOMA Unwind relaxes those who drink it; improving the duration and quality of their sleep with both flair and favor. KOMA Unwind is formulated to relax the body, mind and soul. It is the perfect lifestyle beverage for those who want to reduce stress and anxiety, and get a great night's sleep. The relaxation or "anti-energy" drink category is fairly new to the beverage industry. KOMA Unwind is dedicated to helping consumers achieve a level of relaxation without the use of pills or alcohol, fueling a "relaxation revolution" of consumers determined to chill without a pill. Unite with KOMA Unwind for its "relaxation revolution" by joining us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/KOMAUnwind) and following us on Twitter @KOMAUnwindNews.