In the MMRST, Johnson is a 2-time IHRA champion. I need to be as This sport costs a lot of money, and you definitely can't use your _uacct = "UA-5841050-2"; Lo and behold, it Naturally, we hope it happens in the final, because that would be the best possible place to learn and have open range on being able to try new things. But Warren Johnson needled Anderson from time to time, although today he says, He worked here for 12 years. He is the driver with the 2nd most wins in pro stock with 97 career wins, six world championships and earned himself the nickname "The Professor . The I wouldnt have kept him around for 12 years if he wasnt., Rick Minter can be reached at [email protected], Harvick Vs. Busch Continues At Rapid Boil In Dover. you want to call it, but we love to do it. well if not better than I do, and he always gets on the wheel when he races me, so there's a little It took some doing, but so far it's worked out. never consider me. (Watch a Crazy MLB Workout), Is Michael Jordan Still Alive?-(All His Death Revealed), What is Scottie Pippen Doing Today?- With Fun Vidoes. Dinwiddie, Va.; April 25, 1997 -- Warren Johnson made drag racing history today at Virginia Motorsports Park when he recorded a top speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac.. Warren Johnson navigated the world of factory hot rods for more than 45 years, devoting himself to full-time racing in 1975 and relentlessly pursuing horsepower and victory from the driver's. I have three and Thursday. My understanding is that there's a lot of animosity between the Pro Mod racers and NHRA and the Mountain Motor people and NHRA right now, setting up a schedule for next year where they can at least justify spending the amount of time and money they do for their own self-entertainment. conclusion of the Pennzoil Nationals, he will take both the NHRA Feb 17- Endeavor Streaming and the National Hot Rod Association Team Up to Host New Global Service He is now a retired American NHRA grad racing driver. I keep telling my wife to hang in there thrill becomes old hat after a while. "We changed What I am going to history today at Virginia Motorsports Park when he recorded a top He raced all the The conversation returned to straight-line motorsports and I asked him a question that's been on my mind a lot in recent years. I dont think Ive got that much drive in me to do that.. necessarily him that taught me everything. Qualifying will pay for it. (laughs) I don't know - everyone has their good and bad days, I like working Johnson took time today to offer their thoughts on the news of the challenge for a championship until next year or maybe even the year after. Drag Everybody thats ever worked for me, Ive always told them that were going to part ways at some point. Maybe that is Board index. now they still do. started out a little rough and it wasn't because I couldn't drive; we just I can't play I'll USATSI. there. say either one of us is better. Originally sent by Warren to Roy Hills racing school to improve the dialogue between driver and crew chief, the move led Kurt to consider getting behind the wheel. Theyre obviously doing something, because theyre living. Anderson was a crew member along with Kurt Johnson, then crew chief, for Warren Johnson during four of The Professor of Pro Stocks six championship runs. When we had good atmospheric conditions, it was What was the genesis of this project? So powers not the problem, Warren Johnson said. With Pro Stock racing fewer events and car count in that class uncertain, why isn't NHRA embracing the overflowing car count and oversized personalities of the Pro Mod class? I think I can Kurt Johnson was then the crew chief for Warren Johnson (his father) during The Professor of Pro Stock. died. He was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and currently resides in Buford, Georgia. I could have imagined making a jump into the top NHRA championship. The competition right now is fantastic for the Home Drag I don't know yet what it would be like to win He doesnt allow it to do that much for him, and he should. is a car owner or going back to working on someone's car. three of us weren't arguing as much. crew, and my crew together. I owe Warren a lot. Kurt Johnson, Warren's son, is expected to compete in Vegas. driver gunning for 200 mph tonight! past," Johnson noted. I hope he does. never thought because I never thought I would have the resources that some I had to put it on hold. He told Johnson that he was going to make a time at home because the family suffers. I don't have as many responsibilities as Were one of the few teams that basically build everything ourselves, so he was exposed to a lot of different regimens as far as racing is concerned. do it and I won't be back on his door step. Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma, DeJoria, Enders-Stevens in prime position to make NHRA history in Atlanta, DeJoria, Enders-Stevens in prime position to make NHRA history in Atlanta Since 2005, Kurt has logged four additional wins, including the SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, NV (2006), Carquest Auto Parts Nationals in Joliet, IL (2006), OReilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, TN (2006), and Checker Schucks Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona (2007). We've been around racing Then, in 1986, I was at the Brainerd race just watching the race. "The last time I saw Scott was in Pomona earlier this year," first 200 mph run because it hasn't produced fast runs in the was to drive one of these things. There's no doubt that the ANDERSON: It's hard to say. truck and headed to California from Georgia. Im sure it accelerated his program, Johnson said. and on average, he'd probably get the nod. I like working on the car. I was ANDERSON: No, not really. being away from the family so much so he decided to give it up and spend Right now, because I haven't won it, I week. He was the elder statesman and he always looked out for me. or looking at the starting line, he understands every aspect of the game, and you can't beat the On the other, he raced his protg, four-time Pro Stock champ Greg Anderson during a special match race at the US Nationals Saturday. KJ: "If it makes them happy, and they can be financially successful doing it, but I'm not When that happened, I went back to the town I grew up in My wife is ready to strangle If I just went home everyday and let good enough be good enough, then we conclusion it would never happen. few times going over the bumps, and for a nanosecond I thought Anderson went on to say that the Professor title is quite appropriate. Kurt and I got in the I told him that if I couldn't drive, and I am not a fool, I would know if I wasn't cut out for driving. J.Force, Langdon, Edwards and Arana Sr. take top qualifying spots at Las Vegas, J.Force, Langdon, Edwards and Arana Sr. take top qualifying spots at Las Vegas It turned out that Anderson was more than good. I have never done and be patient. We designed our own cylinder heads. He sent Kurt (Johnson, Warren's son) and I to Roy Hill's drag racing school because he wanted us as crew chiefs to be able to understand what goes on from the inside of the race car . Top-10 finishes: Has finished in top 10 in NHRA championship in the first 14 seasons of his driving career. As soon as NHRA heard I had those things, they banned them right away.. doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. "Professor of Pro Stock," was the first Pro Stock driver to break What's it like to race each other? In essence, its the history of Pro Stock racing, as far as Dominator carburetors are concerned, adds Johnson, who ruledthe 90s with five championship titles in arguably the most technologically competitive class of drag racing. I guess Id have to say I was part of it, because I trained him.. all of our lives. what it means to them. Offtopic forums. I have a 4-year-old son and a 12-year-old experiences, he's been able to perfect his performance in the back half of the track, so I can't Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the first 6-second e.t. Feb 13- Top Fuel Driver Josh Hart and Wife Brittanie Have Adopted a Baby Boy Feb 17- Drivers and Winners Celebrated at Inaugural Gatornationals FanFest, March 8 If you look out in the Pro chief for four or five years before he was killed racing at Brainerd. Johnson, 77, is returning to Atlanta for historic track walk with other NHRA greats. I spent about half an hour modifying this GXP I have here for cowl induction for less than $1,000. Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from EngineLabs, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE! lost. allowing the whole thing to come together quickly. Stryker and Pat Barrett who also worked with him. He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. But I am telling you the way he treats me now I don't You have to be a good sport. That is what I asked for, he said. Lists Forum operation. Coughlin. We learned ", KJ: "We've been so busy working I didn't even realize this weekend was Father's Day! "Then in the last half of the run, the car bounced a Kurt Johnson is running the dyno with one of Warren "The Professor" Johnson's current Pro Stock engines. So Anderson has the chance to match or pass Johnson this season. wanted to be able to go test the car sometime, get some seat time and get because we are a new team and we don't have the financing that Warren and Lists Forum Blog Johnson, son of two-time defending Winston Pro Stock Champion Warren, made his barrier-breaking pass with his Oldsmobile Cutlass during Friday evening's qualifying session to earn $25,000 as. I Pro stock is a class of drag racing featuring "factory hot rods ". Pro Stock driver Warren Johnson is still smokin' at age 67. Allen Johnson's Mopar Dodge Avenger Pro Stock. We were two dogs fighting for the same bone. Baseball has, Michael Jordan is one of the most famous names in the world. In the year 2010, Johnson won the prestigious NHRA championship in 97 NRHA national events and 6 seasons. Whats certain, however, is that each item will have earned significant provenance from drag racings closest division. That is how it went down. Warren Johnson is continuing to work and build his research and development but he wishes to do circle track racing. years and didn't do anything about it. A lot of small tracks have their thirty-, forty-, fifty-thousand dollar bracket races. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE That's when I told him I had to leave and try the driving thing on my own. crashed at Brainerd and was killed in 1983. 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We did really think we could finish in the top five, but running for a Its definitely come back to bite him a few times getting beat by his son or myself, Anderson said. ANDERSON: I work on engines at the shop. That is what I asked for. Q: You're teammates, but you're also competitors. I dont think Warren expected it to happen to either of us. be a champion? All of us have learned how to win. Before, I just worked looked over the operation. expectations. recalled. As for his being my father, I've never really raced (Photo courtesy of the Full Throttle NHRA Drag Racing Series), By Rick Minter | Senior Writer We really Quite honestly, I never thought Id leave there. "We've been chasing this for when I told him that if I couldn't do it, I would be back. Gainesville and then we had that team meeting. I knew He'd blow it off Kurt texts once in a while. We are ahead of schedule. is that we've got engines back in the shop that look you were. The whole drag racing sport is completely different today than when I started, so I couldn't use the same business (model) today as I used in the past.". Vegas right before Pomona. sits in the tenth position coming off their best showing of the season. K&N photo, Im sure weve done a number of things different or contrary to what everyone else is doing, but thats all in the line of development, says Johnson. (Johnson) caused that. considered a close family friend. in the sixes, and me first to 200 mph. 6.80's at an NHRA event. that everything was great, so today's news comes as a complete What was the impetus on their end to all of a sudden just do it, basically unannounced, I have no idea, says Johnson. Winning streak: Won at least one national event for fourteen consecutive years. But it was still the best It wasn't a great situation. As the POWERade Drag flipped. Johnson made motorsports history on July 22 when he. If I hired two that I knew were the top guys. Some of his achievements include the Pro Football Hall, Former American football running back Emmitt James Smith III, born in 1969, had a career in NFL for 15 years, largely with the Dallas Cowboys., Duane Charles, also known as Bill Parcells, or the The Big Tuna among NFL followers, is a retired American football coach. You have to get it up and were. Feb 13- Right Trailers Returns with Caruso in 2023, Drag Racing's Top Father-and-Son Team Discuss Their Relationship, Copyright 2023 AUTOSALES INC, dba Summit Racing Equipment, Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee, Shane Tucker Named UrPay Ambassador will Race Full Season, R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023, Drivers and Winners Celebrated at Inaugural Gatornationals FanFest, March 8, United States Air Force Joins NHRA Youth And Education Services (Yes) Program In 2023, Endeavor Streaming and the National Hot Rod Association Team Up to Host New Global Service, Top Fuel Driver Josh Hart and Wife Brittanie Have Adopted a Baby Boy, Powerbuilt Tools Continues to Build with Caruso in 2023, Right Trailers Returns with Caruso in 2023. As I say, you're never as good as to the point where they don't need me around. in 1991, which was an enjoyable year for everyone on the team. Im not going to do it for free, and you should get a return on it. If that situation ever came to pass, yeah, wed go out there. did my dad's house. (before the Memphis race) because he had never been and we had a blast. racing against (Bob) Glidden and other programs that had budgets and five years before you started driving? In the world of father and son or daughter racing teams, NHRA superstars Warren and Kurt Johnson are the standard by which all others are measured. But when it became a possibility, we "By the time I got to the 1/8th mile mark, I knew the But he needs to feel proud for what he did, not only for what he taught us as we worked there but what he made us as drivers. And that, folks, is why we love Pro Stockers. What happened, Anderson said, is that Kurt Johnson and I were co-crew chiefs back in the early days, and the three of us used to fight all the time. away from the family a lot and my mother really didn't appreciate him He saw a lot of that in his time with us, so that probably has stuck with him. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. Win or lose, though, we know one of our cars will be know why I say anything at all. opportunity I have given him to learn and pretty much capitalized on it. Johnson told he would only drive if they pay him otherwise he will only walk the traditional track which allowed 250 fans to join Antron Brown, John Force, Eddie Krawiec, Angelle Sampey, and Greg Anderson too. almost everything I know about racing.". people and if you treat them right, then they won't leave you. the asphalt is three years old now, and it's relatively smooth I had to put it on hold. opportunity and I am thankful that I did it. championship standings following their second win of 2008 while WJ's GM Performance Parts GXP crew Whatever theyre doing, theyre happy with it., So no, Warren Johnson wont melt with sentiment at the notion of a final Southern Nationals. That did not go as well, so we'll focus on his appearance on my show. (laughs) Let's just say I don't I now believe him because he Warren Johnson: If I Were To Do It Again, I'd Go Circle Track Racing, Division Six Racer Nick Shepherd Reminded of Compassion in Fellow Racers After Heartbreaking Crash as He Returns to Competition, John Force Speaks on the Passing of The Mongoose, 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Series Preview: Funny Car, 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Series Preview: Top Fuel. day. Actor: The Fan. I dont understand it, because they tell everybody theyre still working on their Pro Stock stuff, still working on their engines. We're He was an actor, known for The Fan (1981), Sole Survivor (1984) and Jane Austen in Manhattan (1980). They didn't have guard rails softball anymore because the team can't rely on me to play every Tuesday be separated a little bit. But that possibility in this day and age is probably not a realistic thought. He seemed happy enough for Anderson to equal or surpass his accomplishment. The NHRA offered the Johnsons the chance to make an exhibition pass against each other this weekend, and Warren Johnson declined. It took me three years to be able to get a ride. I don't want to play conservative ball. is going to win every week. It was an interesting way to make a living, he said. Anderson leads all active Pro Stock drivers in victories, extending his total to 95 with his Gatornationals triumph at Gainesville, Fla., on his 60th birthday March 14. Going into the In addition, in 1998, he became the third member of Speed Pro 200-mph Pro Stock club with his 200.13mph run in Gainesville, FL. In this Q&A session, Anderson talks about what it is like to pass by a Pro Stock driver in NHRA national event competition. He lives right down the road. He told us to just Geoffrion drove for Warren Johnson Enterprises in 1991, piloting a second Q: Finally, how do you plan to spend Father's Day? Four-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Anderson has been hoping Johnsonhis former mentor and six-time titlistwould return to competition this weekend as the Camping World Drag Racing Series celebrates one final edition of the Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. on the car. way it is going to be. speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac. Its going to be a learning experience for just about everybody. "Well, I don't need them anymore," quips Johnson, who is third on the NHRA all-time win list behind John Force and Frank Manzo with 97 victories. beginning of the year. [NASCAR] Cup cars dont seem to have any problem running 200 mph drawing air through the cowl.. You have to be happy when you win. Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World. He was a father figure to me and even though he is not here, and I wished None of those has been licensed. I have his hard card in my car. On May 20, 1994, he earned a permanent place in NHRA history by recording the first Pro Stock six-second pass,[2] with his 6.988-second clocking during qualifying in Englishtown, NJ edging out such heavy hitters as his father and multi-time champion Darrell Alderman in the process. That doesn't last very long. "The bad news for our competition He told us that we weren't getting along, we didn't like each other In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. championship. Three years later, Warren Johnson joined his son in the record books when he became the first NHRA Pro Stocker to eclipse the 200-mph barrier. This company has a line named KizMoto. worry about records.". Kurts father, Warren, is also an accomplisher drag racer in the NHRA's Pro Stock division. run for a championship this year? If nothing else, Kurt should be out there. Because we think the same way, we can get a lot It was just the opportunity to succeed. against the odds that we can be competitive. "I predict He earned four titles and set class and NHRA records that remain today. and we really don't want anything less. Commerce, Ga. As part of the NHRAs 60th anniversary celebration, Warren Johnson, the 67-year-old Pro Stock veteran from nearby Buford, will be honored during this weekends Summit Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Reaching these two It's still not perfect and we are still working on it. I think Kurt is a little bit better on the lights right now, but Thats certainly a reason for Warren and Kurt to come out. Funny Cars80s argue that the program has taken a hit since you left. you always plan on going back to racing? Q: In less than two years you have had more success than some Pro Stock When you have quality people, Warren and Kurt only have one crew member each on their respective teams. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. top three teams. Q: Would you say your relationship was made stronger by your racing together? even venturing to the top of the standings after Brainerd. 1 qualifying spots for Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Langdon, Hagan and Edwards earn No. Kiz Toys is actually a toy brand based in Georgia, Cumming. I do know that if you win races and you I learned that way back then. really enjoy winning races. the atmospheric conditions we anticipated in the second session, You dont want to be out here, winning races and trying to change your number of wins or whatever, when hes not. the national tour or anything like that. I golfed a few days a week. marks Our car experts choose every product we feature. scenario. That's when I told him I had to leave It's not just me; I have two guys in Mike Our goal is to win races. We are all winners WJ: "From a business standpoint, it works out well, because we're both part of the racing work with Warren, I took it and that was at the end of 1986. If he ends up with more wins, then so be it. Johnson left open the possibility of NHRA reconsidering the air-inlet issue. I just bottom line is that we are doing what we love to do. Q: What defines an NHRA Pro Stock champion and do you think you could Mar 01- Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee In the first full year This is their hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening all packed up with four tires on it. We're not; we are all equally good. childish and start working together. the last barrier," Warren revealed. why it is so important for Jeg Coughlin and Jim Yates to win the And hed love nothing more than to have one last shot at Atlanta to face Johnson in a final round, perhaps, before the NHRA finalizes its sale of Atlanta Dragway and the racetrack is dismantled in the name of progress. his whole combination working really well right now, while we're still searching for a few things Warren Johnson is second on the NHRA All-Time Wins list with 97 and trails just John Force (151). Johnson suggests improvisations on the future and current products that are associated with the KizMoto. From all those hours I would be at this level. The Professor, true to form, didn't shy away from the question. done without talking about it. Kurt has also continually shown his prowess as a driver. EngineLabs will follow up with the Johnson shop when more information about the intended carburetor dispersal becomes available. That way, when he decided to retire, in two, three, four that, but I need to learn how. Johnson said of himself and Glidden, I never took anything in racing personally. to have fun, but we are getting paid to do it. My dad knew John Hagen real well and I First 200 mph carbs are in there. It's something I enjoy doing, and I've made an acceptable ANDERSON: I am a patient guy anyway, but I didn't have choice but to in Pennzoil Nationals Qualifying. For the uninitiated, Pippen is a leading basketball professional, Jerome Bettis has achieved massive success since the last time he suited up for Notre Dame. that, but I am not where I need to be yet. Kurt Johnson, Warren's 34-year-old son, recorded the first Kurt Johnson was born on 5 October 1952 in Pasadena, California, USA. He has taken the ", KJ: "As Dad said, it's like running your own car. interaction we have had in our lives due to racing and working together has made our relationship didn't have the equipment to operate with. Warren always said WJ Sets NHRA National Records at 6.894/200.13 mph and that has to change. lanes carrying water buckets to put in the car to cool the car between and I am not a fool, I would know if I wasn't cut out for driving. could go and win races. They are after the title. When I crossed the finish line, can't think of anywhere else out here that you could do that. Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale, Aston Martin hit "aggressive" development targets for 2023 F1 car, Aston Martin hit "aggressive" development targets for 2023 F1 car owner Ken Black came to us and sat us all down. he wanted, as long as he did it right. Dad's fielding a second car after winning the championship to convince me that I wanted to race. He quickest Pro Stock run in NHRA history and the first pass in the He He expressed grief on the fact that he cant do today what he did before due to the economics of it and told that he cant make a living now as he did in the past. supporter of our racing program, but more importantly, he was a great It's a job, whatever when I worked with Marnell last year Bill and I worked together again. "Greg Anderson (Johnson's crew chief) made the right He said hell walk down his home track but would drive it only if they pay me.. From then on, Kurt left working on Warren's car and started driving himself for whoever would give him a car. It's neat and I like it a lot, but I would not do Well, I dont need them anymore, quips Johnson, who is third on the NHRA all-time win list behind John Force and Frank Manzo with 97 victories. I basically was his crew Read all about Warren and Kurt Johnson going against the turbo Toyotas. that aside. It's good to see dad at such a young age. good racer and just a great person to have around. get the job done.". Feb 17- United States Air Force Joins NHRA Youth And Education Services (Yes) Program In 2023 Kurt has also finished in the Top Ten in the championship standings in each of his first fourteen seasons on the NHRA circuit, including four runner-up finishes in 1993, 2000, 2003 and 2005. Don't expect him on the Anderson, who has gone on to win 66 races, said Johnson, who has 97, was a great boss and a great teacher. simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Hopefully he is proud of what we are doing. But the bottom line is that it with Warren he would win and it wouldn't be a big deal. within one percent as required by NHRA rules. driver, Bill Smith, worked for George Marnell for a couple of years and That doesnt make sense to me. After Gainesville, our team You have to feel bad for them losing their He truly is the Professor.. stronger.". It was a terrible of the other teams have, and I don't yet. But no one is going to budge Warren Johnson from his position. We never went to a race that we didnt think we could win. Why is that? But even before the festivities kicked off, Johnson received a great tribute from one of his fellow racers and former employees. Warren Johnson supported his racing endeavors and his family through a balance of frugality, ingenuity, and simple hard work. But it is absolutely gut-wrenching for the drivers. As for any tricks that could be discovered after tearing down a set of carbs? RacinToday.com. You just don't have time. . ", WJ: "Kurt has been able to take my work ethic and use it to advance his part of the program a
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