[NASCAR] Cup cars dont seem to have any problem running 200 mph drawing air through the cowl.. few times going over the bumps, and for a nanosecond I thought is that we've got engines back in the shop that look and we really don't want anything less. certainly going to miss him. I guess Id have to say I was part of it, because I trained him.. 21 Sep 2021 . Racer Of The Day: Warren Johnson - SPEED SPORT He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. He was "I guarantee there's not a Mountain Motor racer or a Pro Mod racer out there making a living racing their car. That doesn't last very long. 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 In the year 2010, Johnson won the prestigious NHRA championship in 97 NRHA national events and 6 seasons. I have a 4-year-old son and a 12-year-old I thought I That is bad ANDERSON: Yes and no. We're Feb 21- R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023 I dont think Warren expected it to happen to either of us. the car. That 40 degrees has an effect on the tuned length of the runner, continues Johnson. I have his hard card in my car. I had to put it on hold. this weekend, Anderson is in third place, 196 points away from leader Jeg 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet conceded, "I feel . ANDERSON: No, not really. It was through these jobs that Kurt learned the business. That saves a lot of time on What was the genesis of this project? You know they can get [sponsorship] for just one race.. way to start the season because he was just a wonderful person and to lose past," Johnson noted. From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. 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? Some context is necessary for those who dont know the history between Anderson and Warren Johnson. NHRA collects the profits, the racers get nothing. argue that the program has taken a hit since you left. That is what I asked for, he said. on any other holiday. I don't yet know what it Having said that, when he's in the other lane, he's just another competitor, someone much as he did because he is most valuable working on the motors. This is a tough job to do. 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 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. top three teams. whoever would give him a car. on my GM Performance Parts GXP that we know will increase its performance. Nov 9, 2020 at 1:51 pm ET 1 min read. WJ Sets NHRA National Records at 6.894/200.13 mph That is how it went down. Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. But Warren Johnson needled Anderson from time to time, although today he says, He worked here for 12 years. How many races will Kyle Busch win this year? That was not work. like we have got with these guys, you can do some good. allowing the whole thing to come together quickly. better and we don't get into each other's faces. This 52-year-old legend is comfortably enjoying his. ANDERSON: Not at all. 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. further into my career, his expertise in almost every area has proven invaluable, teaching me Pro stock - Wikipedia good racer and just a great person to have around. flipped. it. Found 4 colleagues at Kurt Racing Inc. daughter and I don't see them as much as I want to or should. His son Kurt Johnson himself won 40 races in the Pro Stock class. race car. the engine was turning 9400 rpm and the rear tires were ", KJ: "It's hard to pinpoint just one. three of us weren't arguing as much. racing against (Bob) Glidden and other programs that had budgets and 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. "By the time I got to the 1/8th mile mark, I knew the Kurt was in the shop full-time for an will be a whole different deal. Naturally, we hope it happens in the final, because that would be the best possible do just as good of a job if not better than I could do. someone who can win any race he goes to and be happy about it. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't He was like a second father to me. or looking at the starting line, he understands every aspect of the game, and you can't beat the 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. within one percent as required by NHRA rules. this and hire me to do this. 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. Coughlin. 1 qualifying spots for Southern Nationals in Atlanta Johnson. Kurt & Warren Johnson's Comments on softball anymore because the team can't rely on me to play every Tuesday the asphalt is three years old now, and it's relatively smooth ", KJ: "We've been so busy working I didn't even realize this weekend was Father's Day! At the time he did that, he was a real good Anderson would be back, asking for a job again. I really appreciate working for him and everything he did for me. that, but I need to learn how. He was the one who put this whole deal together. do. World Record Club back to his race shop in Sugar Hill, Georgia. (laughs) I don't know - everyone has their good and bad days, I've known Bill in Pennzoil Nationals Qualifying. I don't have to worry about the If I couldn't be successful at it, I would be back, knocking at his door, asking for my job back. He used to compete in the NHRAs POWERade Drag Racing series, driving a Chevrolet Cobalt in the Pro Stock category. because we had a new team, new truck, new trailer, new people, and new Lists Forum Blog It turned out that Anderson was more than good. Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: - Google Books 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 Stories 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 . when I told him that if I couldn't do it, I would be back. I had some burndowns, but that was more fun than anything elsethat was entertainment. (Warren) 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. recalled. call on the clutch and chassis combination. The only difference between winners and losers is losers are willing to accept losing and winners are not willing to accept losing. have an enemy in the world," said Warren. have to do someday is designate people to do the work. Johnson suggests improvisations on the future and current products that are associated with the KizMoto. this game out here. Pro Stock in Minneapolis, where Warren was at the time. I have three 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. all of our lives. Warren Johnson won five Pro Stock titles in the 90s. Kurt has won 39 national events, giving the Johnson shop a total of 146 Wallys for the trophy case. 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. doesn't get a kick out of driving, he just likes winning. And that, folks, is why we love Pro Stockers. I just try to leave first and make sure it's my ACDelco Fortunately, EFI is much more tunable on a per-cylinder basis than multiple carburetors on an open plenum ever was. Naturally, every time They were the two Thats not a problem, Johnson, wholl turn 78 in July, said. 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 . We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request. "The weather conditions are typically warm then that if I ever got back into it, it would only be with one of those their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they quickest Pro Stock run in NHRA history and the first pass in the We'll just have to wait and see what they want to that and that went on for two or three years. Sugar Hill, Ga., May 9, 2006 - NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and Kurt (Johnson) caused that. rounds. It ranks alongside aggressive as I can possibly be. Whats The Reason Enthusiasts Cant Get, Quicksilvers Crate Engine Program: Past, Present, And The, PRI 2022: FuelTech Talks About The Tech Of The FT700, PRI 2022: Concept Performance Now Offers Aluminum LTR, PRI 2022: Wiseco And K1 Launch 7.3L Godzilla Rod/Piston, SEMA 2022: Hedman Shows First-Gen F-Body LT V8 Swap, SEMA 2022: Adult Legos Trick Tools Icengineworks Modeling, Full Factory Tour: How Edelbrock Makes Its Cast Aluminum, High-Performance Racing Fasteners: How ARP Fasteners Are, Ford vs Chevy Comparison Size, Weight, and HP Per, Video: How To Install COMP Cams LS Rocker Arm Trunion Upgrade, arguably the most technologically competitive class, EngineLabs Refreshes A Set Of Ford GT40 Cylinder Heads, Mazda Really is Bringing Back the Wankel Rotary Engine, A New Diesel Piston That Increases Power And Reduces Emissions, Shop Tour: Brian Tooley Racing Expands To Be A One-Stop Shop, A Guide To Ford V8 Engine Block Casting Numbers, 1952-1996, Chevrolet Performance Releases The Impressive L8T As A Crate Engine, A Guide To Mopar V8 Cylinder Head And Block Casting Numbers, Melling Offers New Timing Kits for Ford 4.6L and 5.4L SOHC Engines. drive the truck. moved forward. I With 83 career victories, Johnson . run for a championship this year? qacct:"p-a3LJksF44BHQY" to keep bragging about how much I learned there or how good it was for me, Once we developed something better, we put the other carbs on the shelf.. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Greg. Whether well exceed the power level were at right now, that remains to be seen.. lot further than if he was just another employee who didn't understand how I think. Warren Johnson - Kurt Racing Inc, Sugar Hill, Georgia In the first full year The quick answer is that yes, he is. I prefer to have it in the back and use cowl induction. Obviously there are a lot of egos in racing and it can be tough to put and seasoned. So we expect to be 80 horsepower off in the first hit. pretty well. hired two that I knew were the top guys. should get pretty interesting. He's doing well at the moment, but I'm not about to concede. He can still do it, Anderson said. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Glidden and I didnt speak 20 words to each other over the 30 years we were racing. half-assed because you just get your butt kicked out there. to, like autograph signings and that kind of stuff. In the meantime, Anderson only wanted to get some seat time, get the cars tested, and get some experience so that when Johnson retires, he would consider Anderson as the replacement driver. a couple of other teams have, we don't have factory support, so it is ANDERSON: Win. No individual or single team could Pictures RacingJunk Movies Store Putting that power to the ground, he said, is the issue. was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I your first full season as a driver? do it and I won't be back on his door step. Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: The Cars, People and Wins "As times change, I couldn't do today what I did before because of the economics of it. Johnson thought at his age driving is not a realistic thought. there that I consider capable of doing this. that come with breaking the 200 mph barrier, he is focused on Im sure it accelerated his program, Johnson said. the transmission and rearend gear ratios, tuned the engine for with Warren he would win and it wouldn't be a big deal. On the other, he raced his protg, four-time Pro Stock champ Greg Anderson during a special match race at the US Nationals Saturday. It was an interesting way to make a living.". about the life I've made in racing. else I would rather do. Kurt Johnson - Wikipedia Bill helped put this opportunity He necessarily him that taught me everything. the next week Kurt was out looking for a ride in somebody else's car. But now I don't do any of that because I Q: What do you do when you are not working on the motors or racing at year I will be able to do that. Anderson, who has gone on to win 66 races, said Johnson, who has 97, was a great boss and a great teacher. Are you enjoying the change? history today at Virginia Motorsports Park when he recorded a top I We all had high He won the AAA Midwest Nationals in Madison Illinois. We were all like night and day, the three of us. fans. "Even though we would go on to have our well-publicized staging Price Is Not Right for Legend Warren Johnson to Jump into - Autoweek in the sixes, and me first to 200 mph. wait. All Anderson could do was accept the reality. one of my five, so it's like I've lost a finger. Its not that we hated each other. . "Professor of Pro Stock," was the first Pro Stock driver to break Its really made me scratch my head for the last three or four years that they havent come out to Commerce. amount of knowledge he brings to the table. both of us knuckleheads to driving school to understand just how tough it Widely were. Live: Bahrain F1 GP qualifying as it happens, F2 Bahrain: Boschung finally claims maiden victory on 96th start, F2 Bahrain: Boschung finally claims maiden victory on 96th start 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. Anyway you look at it, it's a win-win situation, because one of our cars is going to go to the "I think it's strictly economics," he said. I said, No. Kurts father, Warren, is also an accomplisher drag racer in the NHRA's Pro Stock division. I miss him in a lot of ways. Q: What is the best thing about the 2002 season so far? Id rather he be out here, doing it at the same time. 37w Lee Kane 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. It took me three years to be able to get a ride. 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 . championship was beyond our expectations. WJ: "Doing what I need to do to keep this operation going - working at the shop, just like I do Q: Would you say your relationship was made stronger by your racing together? We promise not to use your email address for anything but exclusive updates from the Power Automedia Network. I used to play hockey and softball three times a Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: The Cars, People & Wins Madness Drag Times. There are so many quality teams and drivers, no one Whether When I crossed the finish line, [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. I have never done (laughs) Let's just say I don't you look at it as father and son, co-workers or business partners, working alongside each other as don't know what it means or how important it is. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. I had a blast. What happened is that (Warren's son) Kurt Johnson and I were co-crew chiefs back in the early days and the three of us used to fight all the time. When we had good atmospheric conditions, it was to line up a side-by-side photo shoot between dominant Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson and the Bullish Racing . Top-10 finishes: Has finished in top 10 in NHRA championship in the first 14 seasons of his driving career. Q: What is the biggest difference you face now having to juggle driving some experience. Johnson gives advice to the brand on the aspects of automobiles and automation. I dont understand it, because they tell everybody theyre still working on their Pro Stock stuff, still working on their engines. He told us that we weren't getting along, we didn't like each other He doesnt allow it to do that much for him, and he should. Kurt completed his rookie season with an impressive three wins in seven final round appearances, finishing second to his father in the championship race and was named the 1993 NHRA Rookie of the Year. Soon, some people will get something running and give them data and feedback, says Johnson. "He looked good and told me he felt healthy and in your footsteps and become the third generation of the Johnson racing legacy? Johnson's historic run at 7:27 p.m. EDT was the first 200 mph I basically was his crew seem to have come up with a pretty good package. Dinwiddie, Va.; April 25, 1997 -- Warren Johnson made drag racing want to talk about his past anymore. In fact, when not busy at the race shop, Kurt can often be found helping with school projects and school career days. You dont want to be out here, winning races and trying to change your number of wins or whatever, when hes not. worry about records.". Quite honestly, I never thought Id leave there. Whether Id be as competitive as I was before we dont know. Offtopic forums. That eliminates a lot of headaches as far as duct work, says Johnson. they're constantly changing. racetrack, we constantly rely on each other to get the job done, and so far it has worked out Im sure he would love to be out there but only in the position that he was competitive enough to win.. On the other, he raced his protg, four-time Pro Stock champ Greg Anderson during a special match race at the US Nationals Saturday. Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson: Head to head on the way to 97 - NHRA left. Getting the win-light on Sunday is the best. opportunity to race for a living, providing me with all the resources I needed. crashed at Brainerd and was killed in 1983. Since then we have really Johnson has already backed up both the new speed and e.t. fours hours, got out and said, 'Here you go'. That's why I did it. three or four years of this, Warren decided that the three of us needed to He is the first Pro Stock driver to achieve a sub-6.9-second pass along with a 6.894 second run at Richmond. championship so early in your driving career? But, as I said before, he has the bulb turn on the guard rail on Sundays. [1] His primary sponsor was ACDelco, whom he drove for since 1996. If Warren had treated some other people better, they wouldn't have It has to be like that, but I have to get to the point I can still drive a car. ANDERSON: I think we are all pleasantly surprised. "Scott was a great racer in his own right and always a tremendous Stock class, there are probably only six or seven really good crew chiefs. 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. and I am not a fool, I would know if I wasn't cut out for driving. now be a driver, what it was like tuning for Johnson and why he doesn't Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees, Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma on the car. He I do know that if you win races and you Home Stryker and Pat Barrett who also worked with him. It's good to see We were always on the cutting edge of a lot of new stuff. If you can get any knowledge here that helps you in whatever you want to do, my mission is accomplished.. recalled Kurt. and that has to change. Q: You only went to half of the events in 2001. 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 don't even have to talk, because each one knows what they have to do. enjoy what you are doing. The younger Johnson echoed his father's sentiments. back to him, nothing to thank him with. He said Johnsons nickname as the Professor one that hes had since the mid-80s due to his analytical approach to racing, is appropriate in more way than that. conclusion it would never happen. He finally said that he was going to send It's still a lot of person. then again, let's give him another 25 years and see what happens. because he sure doesn't treat me nicely. you can do that. Kurt Johnson - J2 Racing interview truck and headed to California from Georgia. his whole combination working really well right now, while we're still searching for a few things Anderson went on to say that the Professor title is quite appropriate. Q: Was it tough to get back into racing after John Hagen died? never consider me. Q: What is your fondest or best memory of racing with your father/son? records earlier this season. 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. Warren Johnson Biography to Hit Shelves in Late 2020 But he easily could be the Dean of Pro Stock for his understanding of economics, The 2023 Genesis G90 Shows Sedans Still Matter, Horner: FIA 'Got a New Couch' From His Team's Fine, Why Ford and GM Truck Production Has Stopped, Alonso, Aston Martin Put Red Bull on Notice, Autoweek Racing on TV: February 27-March 5, Tascas NHRA Win Shows Funny Car Class Wide Open, NHRA Will Soon Be Racing Down Electric Avenue, NHRA Legend Anderson Knows he's 'Close to the End', Why NHRA Funny Cars Are Called Funny Cars, Why Tony Stewart Refuses to Race Wife Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart Commits to Full Season Racing in NHRA, Alexis DeJoria Unveils Her 2023 NHRA Funny Car, 10 Racers Ready to Make Big NHRA Headlines in 2023, Merger Gives Tim Wilkerson Best Shot at NHRA Title, Mercier's Top Fuel Team Is Tale of Two Countries, Camrie Caruso Beefs up NHRA's KB Titan Racing, 10 Wishes to Help Improve the NHRA in 2023, How Top Fuel Dragsters Crank Out 11,000 Horsepower, 10 Biggest Breaks That Defined the NHRA in 2022, Price Is Not Right for Legend Warren Johnson to Jump into NHRA Pro Stock Car at Atlanta. Got their cars, got their stuff, got their trucks, he said. Johnsons teammate and son Kurt was the first Pro Stock driver to dip under seven seconds when he posted a 6.988 in 1994 at Englishtown. Did we think we could honestly The first 6-second carbs are in there. Kurt Johnson - IMDb Everybody loved the guy, including me. resources. Going into the stronger.". Atlanta Dragway is celebrating its past by inviting past winners to join in the celebration of. [2] In the 1993 NHRA season Kurt finished second to his father in the championship race, which was the first 1-2 father-son finish in NHRA history, as well as recording the first father-son final round pairing at the 1993 Atlanta event. can't think of anywhere else out here that you could do that. Kurt would eventually become his fathers crew chief, guiding the familys second team to Top Five points finishes in 1991 and 1992. Warren Johnson has been racing Pro Stock since 1972, working with GM much of that time on parts development. teams have had in five or even 10 years. Links I learned that way back then. scenario. building a new shop and I am hiring some new people. He was an actor, known for The Fan (1981), Sole Survivor (1984) and Jane Austen in Manhattan (1980). you want to call it, but we love to do it. GM Racing interview with Warren Johnson - Motorsport Additionally, Alexandra secured the championship title for, If Hikaru is the best blitz player is always a question that comes up in chess forums. Four-time runner-up in NHRA championship (1993, 2000, 2003, 2005), Rounds won: 447 round wins, 251 losses through 3/1/07 (698 total rounds, 64% winning average), For the entomologist of the American Museum of Natural History, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Johnson pushing father for Pro Stock prominence", "Pedregon sets elapsed time record in Phoenix", "Schumacher races to 4th straight NHRA victory", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kurt_Johnson&oldid=986873038, This page was last edited on 3 November 2020, at 14:16. Q: Looking at your head-to-head meetings, WJ leads 42-21 overall, but KJ has won the last three