Alan Johnson Racing and driver Larry Dixon (LEFT) have agreed to a "mutual separation," the NHRA team announced late Monday. Alan Johnson Racing manages the two-car Top Fuel operation of the Al-Anabi Racing Team.
Dixon joined the Al-Anabi Racing team when it was founded in 2009. He finished second, first and fourth in his three seasons at Al-Anabi Racing winning 19 races. He is a three-time NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel champion. The reasons leading to this mutual decision are private team matters; no further information will be provided, and no interviews will be granted.
“Larry has been an integral member of Al-Anabi Racing for the past three seasons,” Alan Johnson Racing team owner and Al-Anabi Racing team manager Alan Johnson said. “He was instrumental in our successes including winning our first NHRA Full Throttle championship in 2010. He represented Al-Anabi Racing, Full Throttle and the NHRA as a great champion.
“As difficult as some decisions can be, there are times when they become necessary but can be best for everyone involved. I am proud to have raced with Larry, and I have great respect for his driving ability. I know I speak for everyone at Al-Anabi Racing when I wish him all the best.”
“I enjoyed my three seasons driving the Al-Anabi Top Fuel car," Dixon said. “We had a lot of wins and definitely the highlight was the NHRA Full Throttle Championship last year. I have many fond memories of working with Alan, Jason and our crew, but I am anxious to see what the future has in store for me. I want to thank Sheikh Khalid, Alan and everyone at AJR for my time there and wish them all the best.”
With driver Del Worsham's retirement on Nov. 21, Al-Anabi Racing must now fill two driver's seats as the team says it will still field two Top Fuel cars in the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.