HOUSTON, TX. (Aug. 15, 2018): Justin Hutto was recently given the chance to drive a B/DA Comp Eliminator dragster by former chassis builder, John Green. Following Hutto’s tough start to the season in his father’s Champion Auto Parts powered AA/SA Corvette, this news created a refreshing atmosphere of excitement within the Hutto Racing team. On August 4, 2018, Hutto made his first runs in the John Green built dragster at Texas Motorplex.
“Coming into the licensing session, I was really excited to just get out on the track and feel the force of the car”, said Hutto. “As we warmed the car up and got ready to run though, the nerves definitely set in. I knew I’d be fine, but just not really knowing what to expect got me a bit anxious. After my first squirt in the car, I knew I could drive it and be competitive. It was definitely a pull that didn’t feel natural, but I’m confident that it’ll become natural just like driving the corvette has become.”
Throughout the evening, Hutto made a total of three runs in the dragster while battling the infamous crosswinds of Texas Motorplex. On his final run of the night, Hutto was just shy of the 6 second zone as he let off the throttle in an effort to keep the dragster safely in the center of the track.
“After I got my confidence up with the first two runs, I really wanted to make a full pull down the track”, Hutto said. “The conditions just weren’t there and I believe I drove the car as hard as I could without being unsafe. When you’re dealing with 20+ mph cross winds and a 1600 lbs car making over 1000 horsepower, I think anyone would have a challenge getting it through there safely. Throw in the fact that we were running at night on a marginal track with 12 inch slicks, and you’ve got a recipe for a bad situation if you’re not careful. I still don’t have a full smooth run to compare to yet, so I’m really looking forward to making as many clean runs as possible in Great Bend. I’m also really appreciative of John Green and his entire family being so supportive throughout the day. I look forward to making them proud with my first win in the car very soon.”
Before this opportunity arose for Hutto, he was actively searching for ways to move up from Stock Eliminator as his goal is to race in Top Fuel. After seeing that John Green was looking for a driver, Hutto took action. He took his time to plan out how he’d make an introduction, then moved forward as professionally as he knew how to. Within two months of that initial communication, this new driver-car owner alliance was formed.
“I knew I wanted to continue on to a faster class this year to get closer toward my goal of Top Fuel, but I didn’t know how I was going to make that happen”, Hutto said. “To have this opportunity materialize at such a perfect time is seriously a blessing. I’m a faithful guy and I have prayed and applied my faith toward opportunities like this arising. I believe that this incredible opportunity is a result of my faith and the work I’ve put in to brand myself. I’m truly blessed to have been chosen for this.”
Both Hutto and Green have serious plans for success and look to prove that they’re a force to be reckoned with during their three race stretch beginning in Great Bend, KS., Sept. 27-30.
To keep up with Hutto and his journey to a professional career in the NHRA, you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at the @huttoracer handle.
About Hutto Racing: Hutto Racing is a multigenerational Houston based NHRA team with a rich history within the sport of drag racing. Starting with Jimmie Hutto Sr.’s founding of Hutto Racing in the mid 1960’s, we have been a successful drag racing team for the past 50 years. Although Hutto Racing spans through multiple eras of the sport, the constant theme throughout the three generations of racers is a devotion to their passion and a resolute work ethic for consistent success.
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