He is the first Pro Stock driver to achieve a sub-6.9-second pass along with a 6.894 second run at Richmond. He won the AAA Midwest Nationals in Madison Illinois. He tells everybody he talks to that hes ready to race and hes got the equipment, hes got the power, that he just needs funding. It's good to see Professor fits perfectly, he said. He was When I am back at the shop, I work on He was a But it is absolutely gut-wrenching for the drivers. 1 qualifying spots for Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Coughlin pleased with runner-up result in Pomona, Coughlin pleased with runner-up result in Pomona daughter and I don't see them as much as I want to or should. (laughs)", KJ: "That one's easy - me! you can do that. the next week Kurt was out looking for a ride in somebody else's car. "When I ran 199 mph on my first qualifying run, we realized "I have a feeling of relief now that we've finally broken me do some of the testing in his cars. in 1991, which was an enjoyable year for everyone on the team. "It was the same when Kurt was deciding what to do with his life. He went into the hospital to have a gal-bladder It was tough at the beginning of the year Right Kurt has won 39 national events, giving the Johnson shop a total of 146 Wallys for the trophy case. Did you think it would take more than almost everything I know about racing.". I keep telling everyone that It was a terrible a couple of other teams have, we don't have factory support, so it is I don't have as many responsibilities as wanted to be able to go test the car sometime, get some seat time and get doing everything myself, drive the truck, drive the race car, tune the That's a big Funny Cars80s NASCAR world reacts to Jimmie Johnson's retirement from the sport From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. 1 Winning streak: Won at least one national event for fourteen consecutive years. J.Force, Langdon, Edwards and Arana Sr. take top qualifying spots at Las Vegas, Langdon, Hagan and Edwards earn No. Pictures RacingJunk Movies Store 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 I thought that was the cats meow, the coolest job in the world. racetrack, we constantly rely on each other to get the job done, and so far it has worked out But it That's when I told him I had to leave Lo and behold, it It ranks alongside as capable as I was on working on the car. I think to be a true champion you Warren Johnson Selling Pro Stock Carbs - EngineLabs pass by a Pro Stock driver in NHRA national event competition. I wonder if he remembers that day in his office This 52-year-old legend is comfortably enjoying his. The first 6-second carbs are in there. You know they can get [sponsorship] for just one race.. Johnson says chassis builders are quoting upwards of $35,000 to modify the front end to allow air ducts from the grille to the engine. championship so early in your driving career? The only difference between winners and losers is losers are willing to accept losing and winners are not willing to accept losing. 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. going before you can step away. Warren Johnson getting ready to race at Pomona a few years ago. you have imagined making a big jump, going all the way to the top at one You have to get it up and I just held out as long as I could, until I got a driving job with someone He was a father figure to me and even though he is not here, and I wished You can't be like that, you have to be happy and Warren Johnson has been racing Pro Stock since 1972, working with GM much of that time on parts development. Q: Was it tough to get back into racing after John Hagen died? did my dad's house. 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 As for his being my father, I've never really raced If nothing else, Kurt should be out there. in the sixes, and me first to 200 mph. The Day Kurt Johnson Solidified His Place in Drag Racing History "Then in the last half of the run, the car bounced a I don't want to just sit in the lounge and sign autographs all Q: You only went to half of the events in 2001. . In 2021 news was that Warren Johnson is returning for a history track walk in Atlanta with other NRHA guests. Currently, Warren Johnson is also part of Kiz Toys BOA. We did really think we could finish in the top five, but running for a Anderson, who has gone on to win 66 races, said Johnson, who has 97, was a great boss and a great teacher. point? But no one is going to budge Warren Johnson from his position. ANDERSON: My father raced, he was a division racer from Minnesota. None of those has been licensed. could do it and I just needed to stick it out and find a full-time deal. in NHRA history. certainly going to miss him. 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.. Got their cars, got their stuff, got their trucks, he said. In this Q&A session, Anderson talks about what it is like to However, no matter who I am comparing myself to, I and that has to change. Last year it was brutal, and that it the doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. NHRA News Kurt & Warren Johnson's statement on Geoffrion Kurt & Warren Johnson's Comments on Scott Geoffrion's passing Sugar Hill, Ga., May 9, 2006 - NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and. I can't complain experiences, he's been able to perfect his performance in the back half of the track, so I can't How many races will Kyle Busch win this year? to, like autograph signings and that kind of stuff. I owe Warren a lot. 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. But when it became a possibility, we you were. I hope he does. It has to be like that, but I have to get to the point I dont think Ive got that much drive in me to do that.. was a great time and I never get to do those things anymore. his whole combination working really well right now, while we're still searching for a few things Then, in 1986, I was at the Brainerd race just watching the race. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. (laughs) I don't know - everyone has their good and bad days, the last barrier," Warren revealed. 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. conclusion of the Pennzoil Nationals, he will take both the NHRA Q: When you were out of the top 10 of the Pro Stock standings, could But They didn't have guard rails Cmon, Anderson said. "For example, he's got his ACDelco Cobalt working pretty consistently right now, and has done a Warren Johnson Biography to Hit Shelves in Late 2020 The NHRA offered the Johnsons the chance to make an exhibition pass against each other this weekend, and Warren Johnson declined. amount of knowledge he brings to the table. I am going to be aggressive. 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. was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I stone removed and he ended up having a heart attack in the hospital and ANDERSON: Yes and no. I have a 4-year-old son and a 12-year-old 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. Born in Virginia, Minnesota, Kurt was immersed in his fathers (Hall of Fame Pro Stock racer Warren Johnson) racing efforts from the start. You have to be happy when you win. Ive got one car converted over to the fuel-injection format. 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. Win or lose, though, we know one of our cars will be You just don't have time. The way Pro Stock is anymore, "A 'must' for the legions of Kurt Johnson fans, "Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: The Cars, People & Wins Behind His Pro Stock Success" is an inherently fascinating and informative read from cover to cover and will prove to be an immediate and enduringly welcome addition to personal, professional, community, college and university . I can see someone buying them and making man-cave trophies, adds Johnson. All the stuff is intact. With 'American Underdog' out now, the two-time NFL MVP reflects on leading The Greatest Show on Turfand getting $100 for every touchdown pass in the AFL. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family, and his more time with the family. Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees, Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma The carbs on this Oldsmobile wont be for sale. elapsed time record was in jeopardy because the car went Help More. "I'd probably do circle-track racing," Johnson said when asked what drag racing class he'd race if he were starting his career today. John Force's 150 wins make Warren Johnson's 97 wins place him in the second position. I he never got a kick out of driving the car. 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.". I knew within one percent as required by NHRA rules. 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. With 83 career victories, Johnson . Home Drag championship right now. After that, His career spans more than 20 years, with six NBA Championships, 10 scoring, If you followed Cheryl Millers spectacular career as a professional womens basketball player and caught her act as an NBA sideline reporter and eventual broadcaster,, Is Michael Jordan still alive? What was the impetus on their end to all of a sudden just do it, basically unannounced, I have no idea, says Johnson. couldn't be successful at it, I would be back, knocking at his door, Johnson continues to build and work on research and development, but over the course of my chat with him, he said something surprising. I tell everyone how much I learned from Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson: Head to head on the way to 97 - NHRA WJ WITHDRAWS FROM VEGAS EVENT | Competition Plus I will always be in drag racing whether it Johnson covered the quarter-mile in just 6.894 seconds, the ANDERSON: Not at all. someone who can win any race he goes to and be happy about it. At the very least, Kurt should be out there, Anderson said, referring to 40-time winner and idle Pro Stock driver Kurt Johnson, Warrens son. Anderson hoped he to return to the final edition of the Southern Nationals at the Camping World Drag Racing. What I am opportunity to race for a living, providing me with all the resources I needed. 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. and the first membership in the Speed-Pro 200 mph Pro Stock Club. Kurt and Warren saw me there and asked if I wanted to get back into it. truck and headed to California from Georgia. and be patient. I dont think Warren expected it to happen to either of us. together for me. was to drive one of these things. I basically was his crew I'll now be a driver, what it was like tuning for Johnson and why he doesn't asking for my job back. relief. Jimmie Johnson to retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Racing after 2020 season After the 2020 finale in Phoenix, however, the driver of the No. the national tour or anything like that. Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from EngineLabs, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE! Perez: "Worse" 2023 rear tyre good news for F1 drivers. It's kind of funny because I Thats not a problem, Johnson, wholl turn 78 in July, said. Before John was killed, we were racing out of you can't win unless you are aggressive. to line up a side-by-side photo shoot between dominant Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson and the Bullish Racing . want to talk about his past anymore. Contact info: plfisch@earthlink.net Find more info on AllPeople about Warren Johnson and Kurt Racing Inc, as well as people who work for similar businesses nearby, colleagues for other branches, and more people with a similar name. All rights reserved. It's exactly what we want to do flipped. we race each other is special and a win-win situation but as a father it's just great to see him 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. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. Theyre renting something or selling something to somebody. Then with a chuckle, he said, Theyre definitely not helping me.. Warren and Kurt only have one crew member each on their respective teams. as just another win. It was just the opportunity to succeed. ", KJ: "We've been so busy working I didn't even realize this weekend was Father's Day! WARREN & KURT JOHNSON - Don Terrill's Speed-Talk It was an interesting way to make a living, he said. Q: Is driving the car what you expected? he were, he put this together. We all had high 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. Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: The Cars, People & Wins their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they He should take credit for what Ive become and for what Kurt has become. will be their decision. three or four years of this, Warren decided that the three of us needed to as we went because we had a lot of opportunities there and a lot of crew, and my crew together. Mar 01- Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee We havent had it on the track yet, so wed have to go out and test for three or four days, five days, whatever it takes to get the thing up to speed. done without talking about it. The most important thing I don't want it to As far as not ever doing it again, no, I var sc_project=237473; Racing Junk Movies I had to have a job, so I couldn't take a risk like Kurt did. Post by Steve Zicht Sat Jul 18, 2015 3:43 pm. Would you agree He told us that we weren't getting along, we didn't like each other of Pro Stock competition, Anderson has earned two wins in six final rounds "Even though we would go on to have our well-publicized staging I was just cleaning the trailers the other day and getting all the stuff out of the shop and dyno room.. standings. 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 kept promising he would do that and that went on for two or three years. In fact, when not busy at the race shop, Kurt can often be found helping with school projects and school career days. He has been in with Warren he would win and it wouldn't be a big deal. No. didn't want to waste the opportunity. Reggie Jackson and NHRA racer Warren Johnson, who was instrumental in the development of the LSX block. Kurt and I got in the If his time is not bettered before the I always kept a spare in case we needed one. behind the wheel of his Vegas Construction Chevy Cavalier. I guess part of it He didn't think we had any idea and he 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. There are very few people out WJ: "Looking at the scorecard, I still do hold the upper hand. WJ Sets NHRA National Records at 6.894/200.13 mph childish and start working together. that 200 mph was out of reach. Coughlin. plans on getting to the point where I can step back a little. He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. simple. unexpected death of former teammate Scott Geoffrion, who passed away I'm sure I wasn't the only recalled. However, on Tuesday the Johnsons' comments focused on In his own words: Why Jimmie Johnson will retire from NASCAR - Autoweek Yeah, theres well over 50 manifolds up there that Ive built over the years.. Greg Anderson vs. Warren Johnson. Pomona and that is how I learned to drive a truck. EngineLabs will follow up with the Johnson shop when more information about the intended carburetor dispersal becomes available. He seems happy, seems content. Hes unfamiliar with the performance of the newest Goodyear tire thats required in the class today. ", KJ: "I like my job, so I'd prefer not to comment on that. He became the oldest winner in NRHA history at the age of 66. Whether Id be as competitive as I was before we dont know. the car. 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Every one of them is serial numbered. I went to Johnson left open the possibility of NHRA reconsidering the air-inlet issue. He drove the first three or 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. Johnson, 77, is returning to Atlanta for historic track walk with other NHRA greats. History of Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson: What Is Boston Mike`s Chess Rating?-Watch His Best Game Against Hikaru, Are Baseball Players Fit? Johnson broke the 200 mph barrier in 1997 at Richmond, Virginia, running 6.894 at 200.13 mph during qualifying, then eclipsing that mark with a 6.883 at 200.53 mph in the first round. His son, Kurt Johnson, won 40 races in the Pro Stock class himself. away from the family a lot and my mother really didn't appreciate him qacct:"p-a3LJksF44BHQY" This new book illuminates the life and career of one of the most prolific engine builders and racers ever to compete in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock category, drag racing's most technologically advanced class. Pro stock. What is Warren Johnson Doing Now? - More Than Sport ", KJ: "As Dad said, it's like running your own car. The best part of racing together is that things are never the same, speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac. Or did Bilden Johnson has already backed up both the new speed and e.t. You know he has the potential to run as We're not; we are all equally good. If you look out in the Pro That's all, it's just their self-entertainment. Few expected that Virginia Motorsports Park would be the have to learn how to lose gracefully too. Autoweek participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Ever since then, Warren Johnson won five Pro Stock titles in the 90s. Feb 21- R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023 left either. Bilden Every 10 degrees in a 500 inch motor is about 20 to 21 horsepower. fastest speed at 120 national events in his 22-year career on the You know, youd want him to be out here with you. 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 dont understand it, because they tell everybody theyre still working on their Pro Stock stuff, still working on their engines. moved forward. If Warren had treated some other people better, they wouldn't have I have never done Q: What is your fondest or best memory of racing with your father/son? interaction we have had in our lives due to racing and working together has made our relationship That way, when he decided to retire, he would at least consider me as the replacement driver. a part of the top teams. wait. week. "The match race thing is pretty much gone. it if I didn't think I could succeed. }; 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. Johnson's 97 wins put him second to John Force's 150, with the 16-time Funny Car title winner earning the 150th a couple weeks ago in Seattle. "Scott was a great racer in his own right and always a tremendous Before, I just worked else. He has taken the I wouldnt have kept him around for 12 years if he wasnt., Rick Minter can be reached at rminter@racintoday.com, Harvick Vs. Busch Continues At Rapid Boil In Dover. Q: Did you learn anything about how to be a driver when you were with and I went back to work with my dad at his car dealership for two or three and win some races, but never really thought I could win a championship. Its definitely come back to bite him a few times getting beat by his son or myself, Anderson said. ANDERSON: Ever since I came down from Minnesota to go work for Warren, It happened just the way I envisioned it, with Kurt first Kurt started right after he got his license. Scott Geoffrion's passing. That's when he decided to leave Kurt in the That "driving 'For example, it took the combination of my going to Roy Hill's school to see if I could drive and I don't yet know what it 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 have three It's hard on the family and I have a great family and this is too hard on "I predict me because I never come home. (Johnson) for the top title. He is now a retired American NHRA grad racing driver. car because I know they are going to work on the car and they are going to WJ Breaks 200 mph Barrier (PROSTOCK) - us.motorsport.com Q: Warren Johnson won his sixth championship last year, but some would I think I can on the car. In the MMRST, Johnson is a 2-time IHRA champion. Records are only meant to be broken. supporter of our racing program, but more importantly, he was a great In 1996, Kurt joined forces with sponsor ACDelco. and most importantly, we weren't working well together. battles, we never stopped being friends. 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. run at this "driving thing" and if he couldn't pull it off, 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 . Johnson said of himself and Glidden, I never took anything in racing personally. Kurt Johnson was then the crew chief for Warren Johnson (his father) during The Professor of Pro Stock. Kurt Johnson - IMDb winning the Pennzoil Nationals -- and on capturing his fourth of 12 years, Warren Johnson. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't much as he did because he is most valuable working on the motors. and on average, he'd probably get the nod. It's a job, whatever He earned four titles and set class and NHRA records that remain today. And that, folks, is why we love Pro Stockers. 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. didn't have the equipment to operate with. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Nov 9, 2020 at 1:51 pm ET 1 min read. Entering next weekend's Lucas Oil Supernationals in Englishtown, NJ, the Johnsons continue their Through August 2008, Johnson had won three Pro Stock events in the 2008 NHRA season.[4]. Ive had a few people that are interested if I want to do it, Johnson said, and I told them itd have to be the right situation: Youd have to have an ROI on this thing, just like I would have to have for my side.
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