Alan Johnson Racing Ceases Operations
AJR's single-team operation locked up the sixth seed in the six-race, 10-driver Countdown to the Championship following last weekend's US Nationals in Indianapolis, but will undoubtedly fall out of championship contention after withdrawing from this weekend's race.
There was no word from the team as to any future plans from driver Shawn Langdon or whether or not he will remain with the team or seek opportunities elsewhere.
AJR had struggled to find financial support after losing their primary sponsorship from the Gulf state of Qatar just weeks before the season-opening race at Pomona in February. Since then, the team has limped along with a few sponsorship deals in place, but most funded out of Johnson's own pocket.
Unable to find any solid financial backing going into the Countdown, the team opted to throw in the towel.
“We are extremely disappointed to make this decision, but at this point, it is our best option," team owner Alan Johnson said. “The AJR marketing staff has worked diligently throughout the year securing funding to complete the 2015 season; unfortunately we have come up a bit short. The process of securing funding is still ongoing, but our focus has shifted to the 2016 season."
The team went onto say that they could resume operations if additional sponsorship is found, however with only six races left in the season it is unlikely they would return to the track.
AJR has won 11 NHRA World Championships, including 2013 and back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2010.