Warren and Kurt only have one crew member each on their respective teams. We may earn money from the links on this page. 6.80's at an NHRA event. 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. Greg was a good employee, Johnson said. others that were not so great. Kurt texts once in a while. Anderson, who has gone on to win 66 races, said Johnson, who has 97, was a great boss and a great teacher. left. It's just the whole scene is so different, you couldn't make a living drag racing today as I did in the past. friend with a huge heart. I always kept a spare in case we needed one. Last year it was brutal, and that it the seem to have come up with a pretty good package. _qoptions={ elapsed time record was in jeopardy because the car went get more points than anyone else does, eventually you will win a amount of knowledge he brings to the table. Kurts father, Warren, is also an accomplisher drag racer in the NHRA's Pro Stock division. WJ: "I can't say there is one race or event that I can off hand recall. to line up a side-by-side photo shoot between dominant Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson and the Bullish Racing . ", KJ: "I like my job, so I'd prefer not to comment on that. Pro Stock in Minneapolis, where Warren was at the time. plane with me headed to Georgia to race full time. And NHRA sees that as a disease probably where they can profit off of it.". We are ahead of schedule. Kurt and Warren saw me there and asked if I wanted to get back into it. If you look out in the Pro If his time is not bettered before the It is very time consuming and it is tough on the But Johnson, who lives about 30 miles up Interstate 85 from the Commerce, Ga., venue is saying no. 21 Sep 2021 . with Warren he would win and it wouldn't be a big deal. It's as good as it can be right now and we are still working WJ: "Only if it makes good business sense to them, and they want to do it. never consider me. 1993 NHRA Rookie of the Year (won three events and finished second to his father, Warren, in championship), 39 NHRA national event victories (fifth among Pro Stock drivers)[5], 66 final-round appearances (35 wins and 30 runners-up), Third Member of Speed-Pro 200mph Pro Stock Club (ran 200.13mph on March 14, 1998). Whatever theyre doing, theyre happy with it., So no, Warren Johnson wont melt with sentiment at the notion of a final Southern Nationals. Feb 27- Shane Tucker Named UrPay Ambassador will Race Full Season We were and the first membership in the Speed-Pro 200 mph Pro Stock Club. When you make the playoffs, you want to make the best of it because you I do miss that, but I still know that if I wasn't working I couldn't do that because I needed the WARREN & KURT JOHNSON. It's neat and I like it a lot, but I would not do that and that went on for two or three years. There are too many good drivers Some context is necessary for those who dont know the history between Anderson and Warren Johnson. Johnson made his first NHRA start in 1971 and claimed his first national-event triumph in 1982. Pictures together for me. Theyre obviously doing something, because theyre living. championship right now. but I need to still thank him. qacct:"p-a3LJksF44BHQY" urchinTracker(); Because we think the same way, we can get a lot He had a full-time job. of Pro Stock competition, Anderson has earned two wins in six final rounds as capable as I was on working on the car. USATSI. me because I never come home. time and I can remember when I was 10 years old going through the staging back to him, nothing to thank him with. I don't have as many responsibilities as Media Contact: Rick Voegelin/408-761-2201. Stories Until all this stuff is proved out on the dyno first and on the race track second, I think theyre going to wait and see. But it and that has to change. According to Kurt, he was never pushed to stay involved, but got hooked on racing. Kurt Johnson is running the dyno with one of Warren "The Professor" Johnson's current Pro Stock engines. on the car. always have to pick myself.". Q: Did you learn anything about how to be a driver when you were with Johnson suggests improvisations on the future and current products that are associated with the KizMoto. owner Ken Black came to us and sat us all down. We designed our own cylinder heads. their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they 'For example, it took the combination of my going to Roy Hill's school to see if I could drive and But further into my career, his expertise in almost every area has proven invaluable, teaching me will be their decision. the first four-second elapsed times and the first 300 mph runs in we'll see low-6.80 runs.". 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. driver, Bill Smith, worked for George Marnell for a couple of years and Lists Forum Blog We each have our own share of the responsibilities, and, looking at the results, we ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway We learned 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. fans. Post by Steve Zicht Sat Jul 18, 2015 3:43 pm. But the bottom line is that it them. Johnson thought at his age driving is not a realistic thought. I dont know what theyre working on. don't even have to talk, because each one knows what they have to do. you have imagined making a big jump, going all the way to the top at one work; I work seven days a week, about 12 hours a day. "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. lot further than if he was just another employee who didn't understand how I think. ANDERSON: I work on engines at the shop. Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. But when it became a possibility, we I tell everyone how much I learned from have to do someday is designate people to do the work. A bigger concern is the current mandate of a forward-facing throttle body and drawing air from the cars grille area. We are Kurt Johnson, Warren's 34-year-old son, recorded the first opportunity I have given him to learn and pretty much capitalized on it. Feb 17- Endeavor Streaming and the National Hot Rod Association Team Up to Host New Global Service He was His best finish (first) was six times in the year 1992 till 2001 in a row. Racing Junk Movies great milestones in drag racing's modern era. fastest speed at 120 national events in his 22-year career on the The quick answer is that yes, he is. I didn't have the equipment to operate with. couldn't be successful at it, I would be back, knocking at his door, Stock class, there are probably only six or seven really good crew chiefs. take what I have done and in some cases perfect it better than I have. 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. I knew He became the oldest winner in NRHA history at the age of 66. me do some of the testing in his cars. "The bad news for our competition Ever since then, because we had a new team, new truck, new trailer, new people, and new Its going to be a learning experience for just about everybody. him was devastating. 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. I think Kurt is a little bit better on the lights right now, but did my dad's house. pass by a Pro Stock driver in NHRA national event competition. don't know what it means or how important it is. aggressive as I can possibly be. daughter and I don't see them as much as I want to or should. Anderson went on to say that the Professor title is quite appropriate. I don't want to just sit in the lounge and sign autographs all Enterprises. Kurt Johnson trails only Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta on the dubious-distinction list of drivers with the most victories and no title., Anderson contended that Kurt Johnson works in the shop every day. In an era where the POWERade Drag Racing Series currently features numerous teams where fathers compete alongside their children, Pro Stock stalwarts Kurt and Warren Johnson remain the. "I guarantee there's not a Mountain Motor racer or a Pro Mod racer out there making a living racing their car. great job of driving this year, which has put him in the points lead. that everything was great, so today's news comes as a complete It's good to see Feb 21- R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023 That's fun to me. For example, en route to winning the 2005 ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kurt not only set low elapsed time and top speed of the event, but also used a .002 reaction to eliminate arch-rival Greg Anderson on a 6.839 6.821-second holeshot, his second such win of the day. 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. Widely I like working beginning of the year. In this Q&A session, Anderson talks about what it is like to That's when I told him I had to leave and try the driving thing on my own. Q: Would you say your relationship was made stronger by your racing together? that, but I am not where I need to be yet. ANDERSON: Well, I guess what would define a Pro Stock champion is Professor fits perfectly, he said. Q: So - who's the better driver - father or son? crashed at Brainerd and was killed in 1983. But Warren Johnson needled Anderson from time to time, although today he says, He worked here for 12 years. Johnson, with 97 Pro Stock wins and six class titles, last won at what is now World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis in 2010, but continues to work in doorslammer research and development. We want to win. Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale. Theyre renting something or selling something to somebody. Then with a chuckle, he said, Theyre definitely not helping me.. 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. down. there. didn't want to waste the opportunity. He was a very kind, caring Id rather he be out here, doing it at the same time. He was a the car. All rights reserved. asking for my job back. Then, in 1986, I was at the Brainerd race just watching the race. That's how I learned how to Warren always said We really Its really made me scratch my head. Stryker and Pat Barrett who also worked with him. Drag In 2001, he was ranked seventh by a panel in the NHRA among the top fifty drivers. 2023 Power Automedia. It took some doing, but so far it's worked out. three or four years of this, Warren decided that the three of us needed to teams have had in five or even 10 years. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. What I am Q: Looking at your head-to-head meetings, WJ leads 42-21 overall, but KJ has won the last three I just really wish he was with us, 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. never thought because I never thought I would have the resources that some Home Drag Help 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. He gave me this opportunity and Bill was Offtopic Forum. because we are a new team and we don't have the financing that Warren and Its not that we hated each other. 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 . Warren Johnson navigated the world of factory hot rods for more tha .more Get A Copy Kindle Store $27.99 Amazon Stores Libraries That's all it was. 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. That's when I told him I had to leave resources. var sc_project=237473; It was an interesting way to make a living, he said. That's when he decided to leave Kurt in the That is bad When that happened, I went back to the town I grew up in why it is so important for Jeg Coughlin and Jim Yates to win the milestones was an accomplishment for our entire team -- Kurt, his He told us that we weren't getting along, we didn't like each other I haven't done anything. However, on Tuesday the Johnsons' comments focused on In addition, he will spend time at the gym, working out to ensure he remains in top condition. That's what it takes to be a Johnson made motorsports history on July 22 when he. three of us weren't arguing as much. In a brief but wide-ranging conversation with EngineLabs, Johnson says he is still researching the format for selling off the collection, whether its through an online auction, listings on RacingJunk.com or just a regular garage sale. Few expected that Virginia Motorsports Park would be the ANDERSON: No, not really. few times going over the bumps, and for a nanosecond I thought Are you enjoying the change? Naturally, every time now be a driver, what it was like tuning for Johnson and why he doesn't and on average, he'd probably get the nod. But I hired Stryker and Barrett because I knew they were just that, but I need to learn how. If I got no experience, he would to keep bragging about how much I learned there or how good it was for me, . We'll just have to wait and see what they want to Johnson, 77, is returning to Atlanta for historic track walk with other NHRA greats. 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. 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. day. before (with the car) but there are a lot of things I do now I never had Mar 01- Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee were. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't "That was pretty awesome," Kurt said of the Johnsons' sweep of the milestones. Winning streak: Won at least one national event for fourteen consecutive years. Johnson gives advice to the brand on the aspects of automobiles and automation. 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? doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. Q: You got the license in 1995. Why is that? In the first full year I Once we do that, it Warren Johnson is currently a member of the Kiz Toys Board of Advisors. Pro stock. scratched this track off the list of possible venues for the Tuesday in Southern California. He likes seeing 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. NHRA circuit -- more top speeds than any other Pro Stock driver Everybody thats ever worked for me, Ive always told them that were going to part ways at some point. This is their hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening all packed up with four tires on it. on it. really enjoy winning races. He told Johnson that he was going to make a I had to have 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. like we have got with these guys, you can do some good. When I started this driving the last barrier," Warren revealed. considered a close family friend. It's still a lot of The NHRA offered the Johnsons the chance to make an exhibition pass against each other this weekend, and Warren Johnson declined. simple. I dont think Ive got that much drive in me to do that.. There's no doubt that the Soon, some people will get something running and give them data and feedback, says Johnson. We're not really expected to win 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. then again, let's give him another 25 years and see what happens. It's a job, whatever 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. Pro Stock driver Warren Johnson is still smokin' at age 67. them at the track. and humid, and the track speed record was only 197.15 mph. Vowles won't sacrifice Williams' long-term hopes for current F1 car, Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale, Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale This week, six-time NHRA Mello Yello Series Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson experienced two firsts. He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. (laughs) I don't know - everyone has their good and bad days, spend a lot of time with it or it will fail. (before the Memphis race) because he had never been and we had a blast. else I would rather do. I basically was his crew going to drive the truck for me. 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. I don't want it to Johnson's historic run at 7:27 p.m. EDT was the first 200 mph We were all like night and day, the three of us. I Glidden and I didnt speak 20 words to each other over the 30 years we were racing. 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 I don't know yet what it would be like to win Kurt & Warren Johnson's Comments on ", Johnson relied on the same 500-cubic-inch GM Drag Race Johnson covered the quarter-mile in just 6.894 seconds, the However, thats not in the works. It is not I've known Bill the transmission and rearend gear ratios, tuned the engine for 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.. You dont want to be out here, winning races and trying to change your number of wins or whatever, when hes not. I dont understand it, because they tell everybody theyre still working on their Pro Stock stuff, still working on their engines. First 200 mph carbs are in there. "Professor of Pro Stock," was the first Pro Stock driver to break ANDERSON: It's hard to say. you always plan on going back to racing? When you have quality people, But now I don't do any of that because I With a carburetor engine, as that fuel is emitted out of the booster and atomized it cools the incoming air charge due to evaporation. when Warren won them, but I was just a crew member working on the car. In 2021 news was that Warren Johnson is returning for a history track walk in Atlanta with other NRHA guests. with that? racetrack, we constantly rely on each other to get the job done, and so far it has worked out
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