Pro racers rev up at speedway (VIDEO)

National Hot Rod Association professional drag racer Allen Johnson headed back to Tennessee Wednesday night after a week of winter testing at the Desoto Super Speedway.

Johnson, along with racers Larry Morgan and Kurt Busch, who earned his pro stock license at the track in January, spent time over the speedway over the last week, trying out ways to make their cars better and quicker.

"The track is really awesome," Johnson said before a test run. "The guys here are really easy to work with. We've got a lot of new things on the shelf (to try) when we come here."

The pro racers' visit also proved a valuable training opportunity for firefighters from East Manatee Fire Rescue, who stopped by Monday to talk with drivers and learn better how to handle extractions and other emergency situations that may arise on the track.

For a complete story, see the Feb. 17 issue of The East County Observer.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

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