NHRA’s Factory X class made its debut in 2023 with four races and Geoff Turk was the only competitor to field a Dodge/MOPAR Challenger Drag Pak in the class, with former NHRA Pro Stock world champion Allen Johnson at the wheel. In a new development, however, Turk’s Blackbird X machine will return with a new driver in accomplished journeyman driver Alex Laughlin.
With Allen Johnson behind the wheel, Turk’s Blackbird X had several memorable moments during the 2023 season, including being the first Factory X machine to surpass in competition 200 mph in the category, winning a race, and making several passes in the sixes.
“We ran every race and at the debut event in Indianapolis received the ‘Never Rest’ award,” said Turk. The award no doubt was for the monumental effort of getting the Blackbird X Challenger back up and running after a top-end crash in testing while Turk was behind the wheel.
“We recovered quickly after the crash, but we missed a wire that was affected by the crash and it caused it to run on seven cylinders at the first race. We made it to the final round at every event thereafter, and at the third event, went 202 mph, not once but twice, including in the final round where we took the win. Then, we tested before the Vegas event, ran sixes, but in Vegas, lost in the final round with a less than exemplary run.”
Blackbird X’s best pass to date is a 6.97 in testing, and a 7.04 in competition with a top speed of 202.55.
Looking to 2024, Johnson contacted Turk and explained he would be stepping down as the driver.
“We were very excited to have Allen Johnson come out of retirement and race with us,” Turk tells us. “He was the first guy to go 200, he went to three of the four finals, and won one race. Allen was a big part of what we were able to accomplish and enjoyed it, but he told me that he wanted to spend time with his grand kids, his family, and be there to help care for his parents.”
Turk and his team had already been working with Laughlin on the Blackbird X program, as the young driver stepped in to perform important testing duties in 2023.
“We’re incredibly excited we got Alex to sign and drive the race car this year,” Turk says. “He was crucial in our efforts to get in the game last season. He tested with us in Texas on a whim, and then later flew into Nashville and drove the car at Beech Bend for two days, were he made several 6-second passes. He then agreed to step in and be our driver for…
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