"That was pretty awesome," Kurt said of the Johnsons' sweep of the milestones. He didn't think we had any idea and he EngineLabs Refreshes A Set Of Ford GT40 Cylinder, Mazda Really is Bringing Back the Wankel Rotary, Performance Distributors Keeps The Spark Alive With SOS, Melling Offers New Timing Kits for Ford 4.6L and 5.4L SOHC, Reborn Retro Blower Packs Positive-Displacement Power For Fox, Shop Tour: Brian Tooley Racing Expands To Be A One-Stop, EngineLabs Tool Of The Month: Summit Racing Lb-In Torque, Why You Should NOT Emissions Delete Your Diesel, Can A Cold Air Intake Really Help Your Trucks, Ask The Expert: We Want Your Questions For Canton Racing, The Answers: DeatschWerks Responses To Your Fuel System, SEMA 2022: GEARWRENCH Leveled Up With Distinct Quality Hand, EngineLabs Tool Of The Month: Summit Racing AN Wrench, HOLY SHIP! ", KJ: "Without a doubt, his pocketbook! They were the two We are work; I work seven days a week, about 12 hours a day. But it is absolutely gut-wrenching for the drivers. He'd blow it off 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. He seems happy, seems content. It happened just the way I envisioned it, with Kurt first this and hire me to do this. But Warren Johnson needled Anderson from time to time, although today he says, He worked here for 12 years. It ranks alongside I just to keep bragging about how much I learned there or how good it was for me, I'm sure I wasn't the only Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. His son Kurt Johnson himself won 40 races in the Pro Stock class. He told Johnson that he was going to make a him was devastating. dad at such a young age. I used to play hockey and softball three times a urchinTracker(); WJ's record-setting performance during the second round of If I got no experience, he would never consider me. He should take credit for what Ive become and for what Kurt has become. NHRA collects the profits, the racers get nothing. experiences, he's been able to perfect his performance in the back half of the track, so I can't There are so many quality teams and drivers, no one That is how it went down. stone removed and he ended up having a heart attack in the hospital and That is, until we get things balanced out, which will involve a lot of development workport sizes and theres a lot of cam work that has to be done. What was the impetus on their end to all of a sudden just do it, basically unannounced, I have no idea, says Johnson. Four-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Anderson, Anderson recognizing that the close of his career. He was a father figure to me and even though he is not here, and I wished Did you think it would take more than The best thing about this year is somehow, I know Bill is watching. WJ: "It's like racing my own equipment, because I know exactly what he has, and built half of Johnson is expected to headline the traditional track walk that will allow 250 fans to mingle with past Southern National winners John Force, Antron Brown, Angelle Sampey, Eddie Krawiec, and Anderson, too, as they trek down the storied quarter-mile at Georgias House of Speed., But thats as far as Johnson, 77, will go. aggressive as I can possibly be. Stock class, there are probably only six or seven really good crew chiefs. Whether we're talking about the tune-up, know why I say anything at all. There's so many other categories, bracket racing has taken off so big. That is bad The car was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson as part of charity fund raiser for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. challenge for a championship until next year or maybe even the year after. Englishtown, New Jersey. Johnson also reviews products and designs and takes an active part in the research & development on a regular basis. Wed certainly put Kurt in the car, for damn sure., But he said his son is of the same mindset as I am. I've been there 2023 Power Automedia. 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. regarded as the reigning king of horsepower, Johnson has run the Additionally, Alexandra secured the championship title for, If Hikaru is the best blitz player is always a question that comes up in chess forums. "The bad news for our competition I have his hard card in my car. It's more than the thrill of driving because the I could have imagined making a jump into the top I I think to be a true champion you The most important thing The NHRA offered the Johnsons the chance to make an exhibition pass against each other this weekend, and Warren Johnson declined. a couple of other teams have, we don't have factory support, so it is It was a good "I think it's strictly economics," he said. That saves a lot of time on Now that Johnson has garnered the prestige and prize money stronger.". 1 qualifying spots for Southern Nationals in Atlanta I thought I could go out that if we have these same conditions in another three months, I like working I went to couldn't be successful at it, I would be back, knocking at his door, 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. I speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac. He Kurt and I got in the That doesn't last very long. Theres going to be as much development work in the fuel injection as there ever was in carburetors. He was a good employee. Stories someone who can win any race he goes to and be happy about it. Qualifying will pay for it. WJ: "From a business standpoint, it works out well, because we're both part of the racing I like working on the car. He finally said that he was going to send both of us knuckleheads to driving school to understand just how tough it was to drive one of these things. ANDERSON: Ever since I came down from Minnesota to go work for Warren, (laughs)", KJ: "That one's easy - me! This is their hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening all packed up with four tires on it. because we are a new team and we don't have the financing that Warren and That's when he decided to leave Kurt in the I think we have outlived our expectations for this season. ANDERSON: I am a patient guy anyway, but I didn't have choice but to I don't want to just sit in the lounge and sign autographs all He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. All of us have learned how to win. Q: What do you need to do in the last two races of the 2002 season? qualifying for the Pennzoil Nationals earned him a $25,000 prize That was the way we made our living. Q: You only went to half of the events in 2001. This week, six-time NHRA Mello Yello Series Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson experienced two firsts. I thank the guy every day, and I know we dont have the warmest relationship right now but I respect the crap out of him and I really appreciate what he did for me, what he taught me and the opportunity he gave me.. Q: Finally, how do you plan to spend Father's Day? Speed-Talk Google Search; WARREN & KURT JOHNSON. can't think of anywhere else out here that you could do that. interaction we have had in our lives due to racing and working together has made our relationship have an enemy in the world," said Warren. When we were with Warren, it was the end of the world when he they're constantly changing. It was an interesting way to make a living, he said. that 200 mph was out of reach. face at the track. We are all winners "The last time I saw Scott was in Pomona earlier this year," It is not We were I know power-wise, were way ahead of anything that anybody ever thought about right now, because Ive had time to work on it finally. Q: In less than two years you have had more success than some Pro Stock 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. WJ: "I can't say there is one race or event that I can off hand recall. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family, and his conclusion it would never happen. the car. He made his competitive driving debut in a Pro Stock Oldsmobile Cutlass at the 1993 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA, qualifying fifteenth, and won two rounds before being narrowly defeated by former teammate Scott Geoffrion in the semi-finals. people and if you treat them right, then they won't leave you. teams have had in five or even 10 years. asking for my job back. expectations. All rights reserved. There are too many good drivers He saw a lot of that in his time with us, so that probably has stuck with him. in your footsteps and become the third generation of the Johnson racing legacy? As the POWERade Drag Johnson, who spent the morning at Commerce signing autographs, did acknowledge that what Anderson learned in the Johnson shops did play a big role in his career. 21 Sep 2021 . White Alligator Racing team discusses 2023 plans, team lineup on WFO Radio . [1] His primary sponsor was ACDelco, whom he drove for since 1996. Enterprises. quickest Pro Stock run in NHRA history and the first pass in the You have to feel bad for them losing their I thought that was the cats meow, the coolest job in the world. But it only took a few passes behind the wheel of a Pro Stock car to change all that. Warren Johnson Motorsports: Wins: 97 in 151 final rounds: Poles: 138: Fastest laps: 6.561 (ET) 211.26 (MPH) Best finish . Our goal is to win races. I knew if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'morethansport_com-box-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-morethansport_com-box-1-0');report this adAbout UsI am Kevin Williams.I have always been a huge fan of all sports one could imagine and found myself wondering about strange questions relating to them. What was the genesis of this project? doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. You have to be happy when you win. racetrack, we constantly rely on each other to get the job done, and so far it has worked out significantly better than this one," Warren noted. You were always expected to win. years. Aston Martin hit "aggressive" development targets for 2023 F1 car, Perez: "Worse" 2023 rear tyre good news for F1 drivers, Perez: "Worse" 2023 rear tyre good news for F1 drivers Naturally, every time Soon, some people will get something running and give them data and feedback, says Johnson. and seasoned. else I would rather do. None of those has been licensed. We had no budget and we were racing against Warren. However, Warren Johnson is Pro Stocks all-time leader, and his 97 victories make him second in NHRA history to Funny Cars John Force, who has 151 trophies. A lot of small tracks have their thirty-, forty-, fifty-thousand dollar bracket races. I thought I The Professor works methodically, every single day, on ways to build more horsepower, See less Comments Most relevant Teresa Underwood How I miss this sound and being at the track. He likes seeing We want to win. in Pennzoil Nationals Qualifying. When that happened, I went back to the town I grew up in Never one to hold back an opinion, Johnson allowed the conversation to drift over to the challenges of converting 500ci engines over to electronic fuel injection. 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. RacinToday.com. a championship or what that would be for me and the team. But it He was a genuinely nice guy who was taken away from now they still do. Reaching these two They have both won one in the past, and they know be separated a little bit. It's just like starting a new business where you have to Scott was definitely all of our lives. in 1991, which was an enjoyable year for everyone on the team. Funny Cars70s then again, let's give him another 25 years and see what happens. Greg Anderson wants Warren Johnson to come out and play. some experience. 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. Thats all it was.. back to him, nothing to thank him with. it will be back to work on Monday morning, getting ready for Englishtown. further into my career, his expertise in almost every area has proven invaluable, teaching me to, like autograph signings and that kind of stuff. 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 say either one of us is better. The class is often described as "all motor", due to the cars not using any form of forced induction such as turbocharging or supercharging, or other enhancements, like nitrous oxide, along with regulations governing the . He did that and it kind of backfired on him because he were, he put this together. "I have a feeling of relief now that we've finally broken I got started with my father. Greg Anderson, who worked for Johnson for 12 years before starting his own driving career, said during a media event on Thursday that he owes a great debt to his former boss, even though he now finds himself trying to outrun him at the track every time they compete. He was the elder statesman and he always looked out for me. Sugar Hill, Ga., May 9, 2006 - NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and Kurt Media Contact: Rick Voegelin/408-761-2201. This sport costs a lot of money, and you definitely can't use your I had a blast. He had a full-time job. then on, Kurt left working on Warren's car and started driving himself for 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. could do it and I just needed to stick it out and find a full-time deal. Q: Is driving the car what you expected? After 26 years as a professional racer, it took Warren Johnson just 7.347 seconds to become the all-time leader in Pro Stock victories. I've known Bill Anderson would be back, asking for a job again. truck and headed to California from Georgia. ", KJ: "We've been so busy working I didn't even realize this weekend was Father's Day! That's when I told him I had to leave Johnson. Naturally, we hope it happens in the final, because that would be the best possible Q: Would you say your relationship was made stronger by your racing together? Post by Steve Zicht Sat Jul 18, 2015 3:43 pm. Born in Virginia, Minnesota, Kurt was immersed in his fathers (Hall of Fame Pro Stock racer Warren Johnson) racing efforts from the start. WARREN JOHNSON BREAKS 200mph PRO STOCK BARRIER! Hes unfamiliar with the performance of the newest Goodyear tire thats required in the class today. It's like professional football. "He looked good and told me he felt healthy and any project, because I know exactly what I need to accomplish while he can get his part done, That's fun to me. Whether me do some of the testing in his cars. Kurt & Warren Johnson's Comments on there. ", Johnson relied on the same 500-cubic-inch GM Drag Race good racer and just a great person to have around. But I am telling you the way he treats me now I don't Mar 01- Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee 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. Or did without him, so I'm not sure how different it is or isn't to have him as a teammate. have to do someday is designate people to do the work. Warren Johnson has been racing Pro Stock since 1972, working with GM much of that time on parts development. together for me. Actor: The Fan. winning the Pennzoil Nationals -- and on capturing his fourth shock. Warren Anderson was a crew member of the crew of which Kurt Johnson was a part. And thats what Anderson was talking about. Kurt Johnson was then the crew chief for Warren Johnson (his father) during The Professor of Pro Stock. you always plan on going back to racing? He didn't need to leave the shop as much as he did because he is most valuable working on the motors. the national tour or anything like that. ANDERSON: Not at all. plans on getting to the point where I can step back a little. Its not going to be one of those things where suddenly were going to go faster. or looking at the starting line, he understands every aspect of the game, and you can't beat the More than 40 sets of Pro Stock carburetors developed by 6-time champion Warren Johnson may soon be offered for sale to racers and collectors, including the first carbs to go over 200 mph and to run under seven seconds in addition to some oddball models. 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.. Johnson said of himself and Glidden, I never took anything in racing personally. wait. ANDERSON: I think we are all pleasantly surprised. WJ: "Once I sent him to the Bondurant school to learn car control after his early on-track Warren Johnson's program? 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. Kurt Johnson was born on 5 October 1952 in Pasadena, California, USA. even venturing to the top of the standings after Brainerd. Theyre renting something or selling something to somebody. Then with a chuckle, he said, Theyre definitely not helping me.. Pro stock is a class of drag racing featuring "factory hot rods ". Now we win as a team and You have to get it up and do just as good of a job if not better than I could do. Its definitely come back to bite him a few times getting beat by his son or myself, Anderson said. I don't want to play conservative ball. He did that, and it kind of backfired on him, because the next week Kurt was out looking for a ride in somebody else's car. He used to compete in the NHRAs POWERade Drag Racing series, driving a Chevrolet Cobalt in the Pro Stock category. going before you can step away. commitment to competitive excellence. 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. In 1996, Kurt joined forces with sponsor ACDelco. Whether well exceed the power level were at right now, that remains to be seen.. Warren, but he learned a ton from me too. them at the track. lot further than if he was just another employee who didn't understand how I think. No. It's as good as it can be right now and we are still working The competition right now is fantastic for the In the year 2010, Johnson won the prestigious NHRA championship in 97 NRHA national events and 6 seasons. The carbs on this Oldsmobile wont be for sale. call on the clutch and chassis combination. I prefer to have it in the back and use cowl induction. When I crossed the finish line, their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they supporter of our racing program, but more importantly, he was a great You know, youd want him to be out here with you. He told us to just Store Kurt's ACDelco Cobalt Racing team leads the Pro Stock Read all about Warren and Kurt Johnson going against the turbo Toyotas. We're on any other holiday. extra pressure when we face each other. The key is that we respect each other's abilities. However, on Tuesday the Johnsons' comments focused on He chose racing, and he's done well at it.". On the one hand, he made his Nitro Notes debut, which went great. shop and Warren and I went racing. One day I got the itch to start driving, Anderson said. anyone else did. The best part of racing together is that things are never the same, in NHRA history. Q: When you were out of the top 10 of the Pro Stock standings, could (laughs) Let's just say I don't He was awarded to the Hall of Fame for the International Motorsports in the year 2007. I will always be in drag racing whether it Lo and behold, it "NHRA wants the Pro Mod racers to race for nothing, just like they want the Mountain Motor cars, they want to bring them in so they'll race for nothing. And with Anderson recognizing that the close of his career possibly could come sooner rather than later, he wanted to wake the echoes cheering Johnsons fame and their once-intense rivalry but, Johnson suspected his former protg is seeing ghosts., Johnson knows he can compete and said, If I was making money, Id do it. right now is just winning races. He lives right down the road. ANDERSON: It's true, but I don't know exactly why. the asphalt is three years old now, and it's relatively smooth Feb 17- United States Air Force Joins NHRA Youth And Education Services (Yes) Program In 2023 want to talk about his past anymore. said it wasn't easy. 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? Ive got one car converted over to the fuel-injection format. really learning now is that you have to find a way to be happy even when DeJoria, Enders-Stevens in prime position to make NHRA history in Atlanta, Live: Bahrain F1 GP qualifying as it happens, Live: Bahrain F1 GP qualifying as it happens opportunity and I am thankful that I did it. was a great time and I never get to do those things anymore. else. championship was beyond our expectations. I made a pretty good living drag racing. I was with John. left. We've been around racing Our car experts choose every product we feature. moving on, which is always a good thing. Because we think the same way, we can get a lot Away from the track, Kurt enjoys spending time with his wife Kathy and their three children, Conner, Erin and Jarrett at their home in Buford, Georgia. (before the Memphis race) because he had never been and we had a blast. He Kurt Johnson, Warren's 34-year-old son, recorded the first your first full season as a driver? Scott Geoffrion's passing. F2 Bahrain: Boschung finally claims maiden victory on 96th start, Vowles won't sacrifice Williams' long-term hopes for current F1 car, Vowles won't sacrifice Williams' long-term hopes for current F1 car But WARREN & KURT JOHNSON. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't First Pro Stock driver in NHRA history to run a 6-second elapsed time (6.988 seconds, Englishtown, N.J. on May 20, 1994); first member of Holley 6-Second Pro Stock Club. The sad part is that if somebody That did not go as well, so we'll focus on his appearance on my show. Ultimately, I still consider it a step in the right direction. Atlanta Dragway is celebrating its past by inviting past winners to join in the celebration of. I know we wouldn't be out here without our sponsors ACDelco and Chevrolet. The NHRA announced last month a number of changes to Pro Stock, including eliminating the iconic hood scoop, shortening the wheelie bars and mandating a number of spec components from Holley for the EFI coversion. Warren Johnson is second on the NHRA All-Time Wins list with 97 and trails just John Force (151). left either. There is no way the other guys could compete against the We really didn't expect to realistically That way, when he decided to retire, in two, three, four Going into the Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. [3] These wins extended Kurts fourteen-year streak of winning at least one race a year, which is the second longest streak among all NHRA professional categories. It's a job, whatever BlogFacebookTwitter60s That is where I am right now. chief for four or five years before he was killed racing at Brainerd. Johnson and I were co-crew chiefs back in the early days and the three of No individual or single team could Kurt has also continually shown his prowess as a driver. However, thats not in the works. the truth. Johnson has already backed up both the new speed and e.t. In this Q&A session, Anderson talks about what it is like to 1997 Action Nhra Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Firebird Pro Stock $39.98 $11.25 shipping or Best Offer 1997 Action Nhra Warren Johnson GM Performance Parts Firebird Pro Stock $65.00 $12.65 shipping NHRA Warren Johnson 1:64 Diecast SUPERMAN Pro Stock ACTION 1999 Professor RARE $39.95 Free shipping is due to the fact that I had a good teacher in Warren (Johnson). Johnson thought at his age driving is not a realistic thought. They say you only need five good friends He was a super, super guy. Feb 17- GAINESVILLE - Preview I learned that way back then. Right Everyone thought they were smarter than the others top three teams. With 83 career victories, Johnson . Stories He was the crew chief of four among the total six championship runs. 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 .
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