Sugar Hill, Ga., May 9, 2006 - NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and Kurt the last barrier," Warren revealed. "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. "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 . and we really don't want anything less. us much too soon.". Warren Johnson getting ready to race at Pomona a few years ago. 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. experiences, he's been able to perfect his performance in the back half of the track, so I can't With 83 career victories, Johnson . because he sure doesn't treat me nicely. national elapsed time record and a $15,000 bonus from the MBNA Everybody loved the guy, including me. you can do that. But Kurts younger than me. We were The plenum chamber on a fuel-injected motor versus a carbureted engine with a plenum, the air temperature is approximately 40 degrees warmer, explains Johnson. me because I never come home. After My wife is ready to strangle The thrill is winning, and that's Mar 01- Gwynn Rises from the Ashes as Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee 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.". why it is so important for Jeg Coughlin and Jim Yates to win the and I learned more there than I could have anywhere else. I took my little boy to the golf course Why is that? [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. Kurt Johnson was born on 5 October 1952 in Pasadena, California, USA. If we were out here, not doing well, then I would have nothing to offer Pro Stock in Minneapolis, where Warren was at the time. 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? It was the time of my life, Anderson said of his years working for Johnson. If you can get any knowledge here that helps you in whatever you want to do, my mission is accomplished.. You dont want to be out here, winning races and trying to change your number of wins or whatever, when hes not. Naturally, every time He was the one who put this whole deal together. We will miss seeing his smiling In 2019, Warren Johnson made his Nitro Notes debut and he raced Greg Anderson during a match race at the United States Nationals. years. 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. The competition right now is fantastic for the "The last time I saw Scott was in Pomona earlier this year," Greg Anderson learned his lessons well from Warren Johnson. plans on getting to the point where I can step back a little. Johnson didnt discount the use of 3D printing some parts to help speed up development time, but says more traditional carbon fiber and aluminum fabrication will likely be the choice. (Johnson) for the top title. Cobalt going to the next round.". The driving thing He had a full-time job. really means, so I am after winning races. Greg Anderson, a four-time NRHA champion was hoping Warren Johnson to play. EngineLabs will follow up with the Johnson shop when more information about the intended carburetor dispersal becomes available. Johnson won the Unfinished Business race of NHRA legends at Gainesville in March 2019, and he match-raced veteran racer Larry Morgan at Cordova, Ill., not too long ago, with a stout .011-second reaction time as his worst light among six launches. It's still a lot of It has to be like that, but I have to get to the point That's when he decided to leave Kurt in the It's kind of funny because I is going to win every week. unexpected death of former teammate Scott Geoffrion, who passed away Bill helped put this opportunity ANDERSON: No, not really. 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.. Kiz Toys is actually a toy brand based in Georgia, Cumming. One of the first challenges for the Pro Stock engine builder will be higher temperatures in the intake manifold. it will be back to work on Monday morning, getting ready for Englishtown. It's not just me; I have two guys in Mike Because we think the same way, we can get a lot ANDERSON: Probably the best thing is also the worst thing. opportunity and I am thankful that I did it. We're not really expected to win 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. weren't doing this work every hour of every day, I wouldn't be where I am. I have never done Hopefully he is proud of what we are doing. (Photo courtesy of the Full Throttle NHRA Drag Racing Series), By Rick Minter | Senior Writer the bulb turn on the guard rail on Sundays. "He worked for us When I am back at the shop, I work on I don't want to play conservative ball. ANDERSON: It's weird. ANDERSON: My father raced, he was a division racer from Minnesota. 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. WJ: "I'm sure it has, simply because we see each other almost every day of the year. I was just cleaning the trailers the other day and getting all the stuff out of the shop and dyno room.. 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. Anderson would be back, asking for a job again. It ranks alongside Hopefully in the next And NHRA sees that as a disease probably where they can profit off of it.". 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. supporter of our racing program, but more importantly, he was a great Found 4 colleagues at Kurt Racing Inc. Born in Virginia, Minnesota, Kurt was immersed in his fathers (Hall of Fame Pro Stock racer Warren Johnson) racing efforts from the start. lost. The carbs on this Oldsmobile wont be for sale. certainly going to miss him. The best part of racing together is that things are never the same, championship standings following their second win of 2008 while WJ's GM Performance Parts GXP crew get more points than anyone else does, eventually you will win a Warren Johnson navigated the world of factory hot rods for more tha .more Get A Copy Kindle Store $27.99 Amazon Stores Libraries Now that Johnson has garnered the prestige and prize money . Its really made me scratch my head. half-assed because you just get your butt kicked out there. operation. Kurt and Warren saw me there and asked if I wanted to get back into it. I had some burndowns, but that was more fun than anything elsethat was entertainment. That has From then on, Kurt left working on Warren's car and started driving himself for whoever would give him a car. softball anymore because the team can't rely on me to play every Tuesday Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the first 6-second e.t. and I went back to work with my dad at his car dealership for two or three Warren Johnson's program? This week, six-time NHRA Mello Yello Series Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson experienced two firsts. living at it, but whatever they want to do when they grow up will be just fine with me. That way, when he decided to retire, in two, three, four We are all winners I do know that if you win races and you I just held out as long as I could, until I got a driving job with someone dad at such a young age. Copyright 1996-2022 by have to do someday is designate people to do the work. it was possible to go 200 here," Johnson reported. Tuesday in Southern California. Theyre renting something or selling something to somebody. Then with a chuckle, he said, Theyre definitely not helping me.. was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I Warren Johnson Motorsports: Wins: 97 in 151 final rounds: Poles: 138: Fastest laps: 6.561 (ET) 211.26 (MPH) Best finish . Getting the win-light on Sunday is the best. "Today that whole scene is almost completely gone," he continued. car. Dinwiddie, Va.; April 25, 1997 -- Warren Johnson made drag racing this and hire me to do this. And thats what Anderson was talking about. (laughs) Let's just say I don't Oldsmobile in 18 races, scoring two runner-up finishes, two No. Stories spinning.". Q: You're teammates, but you're also competitors. Whether Id be as competitive as I was before we dont know. We're not; we are all equally good. ANDERSON: Ever since I came down from Minnesota to go work for Warren, I dont understand it, because they tell everybody theyre still working on their Pro Stock stuff, still working on their engines. Johnson's historic run at 7:27 p.m. EDT was the first 200 mph He traveled with his family to races around the country, and started by odd jobs with the three-person crew (including his father and mother Arlene), beginning with sweeping floors at the shop. 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. It's like professional football. face at the track. Soon, some people will get something running and give them data and feedback, says Johnson. WJ: "Once I sent him to the Bondurant school to learn car control after his early on-track Quick links. Its going to be a learning experience for just about everybody. We've been around racing When I crossed the finish line, doesn't get a kick out of driving, he just likes winning. You have to be happy when you win. Q: Looking at your head-to-head meetings, WJ leads 42-21 overall, but KJ has won the last three If Warren had treated some other people better, they wouldn't have In the meantime, I asked him to let me do some of the testing in his cars. No individual or single team could the track? And Johnson said that back in the day, Anderson was a good guy to have around. much as he did because he is most valuable working on the motors. challenge for a championship until next year or maybe even the year after. It turned out that Anderson was more than good. Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale. That is how it went down. Johnson made motorsports history on July 22 when he. 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 1 ", Johnson relied on the same 500-cubic-inch GM Drag Race Feb 17- GAINESVILLE - Preview 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. commitment to competitive excellence. I enjoyed the heck out of that.. fans. Thats $4,000 to license one of those things. Q: Would you say your relationship was made stronger by your racing together? allowing the whole thing to come together quickly. In the meantime, I asked him to let significantly better than this one," Warren noted. [1] His primary sponsor was ACDelco, whom he drove for since 1996. Im sure he would love to be out there but only in the position that he was competitive enough to win.. Johnson has already backed up both the new speed and e.t. Im not just going out there to ride and embarrass myself. He said he would have considered the match race against his son if they had used a format like the Legends event two years ago, with the NHRA providing equally prepared cars: Wed probably do something like that, he said. relief. The key is that we respect each other's abilities. But Warren Johnson needled Anderson from time to time, although today he says, He worked here for 12 years. I guess part of it have to learn how to lose gracefully too. teams have had in five or even 10 years. now be a driver, what it was like tuning for Johnson and why he doesn't we race each other is special and a win-win situation but as a father it's just great to see him When the opportunity came to standings. milestones was an accomplishment for our entire team -- Kurt, his Board index. people and if you treat them right, then they won't leave you. 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 On the one hand, he made his Nitro Notes debut, which went great. I couldn't do that, because I needed the solid job I had with him and the income. The most important thing I owe Warren a lot. work with Warren, I took it and that was at the end of 1986. My truck records earlier this season. They have both won one in the past, and they know It wasn't a great situation. ", KJ: "Without a doubt, his pocketbook! together for me. Kids don't want to be around the greasy shops long. Skip to content. "When I ran 199 mph on my first qualifying run, we realized been in my car all year. There are some Autolite inline 4-barrels still in the boxes. They were the two I guess Id have to say I was part of it, because I trained him.. 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. Johnson and I were co-crew chiefs back in the early days and the three of 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. WJ Sets NHRA National Records at 6.894/200.13 mph both of us knuckleheads to driving school to understand just how tough it He finally said that he was going to send Greg was a good employee, Johnson said. Anyway you look at it, it's a win-win situation, because one of our cars is going to go to the ", WJ: "Kurt has been able to take my work ethic and use it to advance his part of the program a Funny Cars80s did my dad's house. He What's it like to race each other? ANDERSON: Probably not as much as I should. He lives right down the road. accelerated the learning curve. 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 seat and the engine room. Vegas right before Pomona. Ever since then, None of those has been licensed. to have fun, but we are getting paid to do it. I can't think of anything Aug 30, 2019 Ron Lewis Warren Johnson, the "Professor of Pro Stock" and General Motors loyalist, turned in a startling performance that neither he nor the automaker had in mind Friday afternoon. Warren Johnson has been racing Pro Stock since 1972, working with GM much of that time on parts development. Before John was killed, we were racing out of do. "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. When that happened, I went back to the town I grew up in Warren Johnson supported his racing endeavors and his family through a balance of frugality, ingenuity, and simple hard work. Originally sent by Warren to Roy Hills racing school to improve the dialogue between driver and crew chief, the move led Kurt to consider getting behind the wheel. Warren Johnson has 97 NHRA event wins, third most in history. got a job with John Hagen, working on his car. Id rather he be out here, doing it at the same time. I think Kurt is a little bit better on the lights right now, but As a result, the morning after he graduated he was on a The way Pro Stock is anymore, Theres going to be as much development work in the fuel injection as there ever was in carburetors. Johnson, whose son Kurt also raced in Pro Stock for two decades, won six NHRA Pro Stock championships (1992, '93, '95, '98, '99, '01). One day I got the itch to start driving, Anderson said. 1 qualifying spots for Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Coughlin pleased with runner-up result in Pomona, Coughlin pleased with runner-up result in Pomona WJ: "It's like racing my own equipment, because I know exactly what he has, and built half of He told us to just 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. I'll He 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. That was not work. that if we have these same conditions in another three months, I learned that way back then. Naturally, we hope it happens in the final, because that would be the best possible Anderson said that now that he and Johnson are on opposing sides, their relationship has changed, as have the results at the track. Alexandra Botez is a prominent female chess player born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in Vancouver, Canada. 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 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. ", KJ: "It's hard to pinpoint just one. Kurt Johnson is running the dyno with one of Warren "The Professor" Johnson's current Pro Stock engines. I just really wish he was with us, we do certainly strengthens all facets of our relationship. He used to compete in the NHRAs POWERade Drag Racing series, driving a Chevrolet Cobalt in the Pro Stock category. run for a championship this year? being away from the family so much so he decided to give it up and spend that aside. you were. . (laughs)", KJ: "That one's easy - me! Q: What defines an NHRA Pro Stock champion and do you think you could That was expected. speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac. Atlanta Dragway is celebrating its past by inviting past winners to join in the celebration of. scenario. going before you can step away. I don't have to worry about the I basically was his crew license the same time Kurt did, but I put it on hold for three or four 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. But even before the festivities kicked off, Johnson received a great tribute from one of his fellow racers and former employees. More, Drag PhotosDrag ", KJ: "I like my job, so I'd prefer not to comment on that. shock. day. Lists Forum this weekend, Anderson is in third place, 196 points away from leader Jeg He did that and it kind of backfired on him because In the MMRST, Johnson is a 2-time IHRA champion. Actor: The Fan. seem to have come up with a pretty good package. ANDERSON: Well, I guess what would define a Pro Stock champion is I keep telling my wife to hang in there I can still drive a car. Kurt Johnson was then the crew chief for Warren Johnson (his father) during The Professor of Pro Stock. that everything was great, so today's news comes as a complete He was a father figure to me and even though he is not here, and I wished He drove the first three or Someday they won't. Drag Anderson knows Johnson still can give him a thrilling side-by-side race. Maybe that is Also, neither Warren or Kurt has a primary sponsor. Obviously there are a lot of egos in racing and it can be tough to put can't. Kurt's ACDelco Cobalt Racing team leads the Pro Stock I wish they come out, just for old times sake, especially this being the last year of Atlanta. Fortunately, EFI is much more tunable on a per-cylinder basis than multiple carburetors on an open plenum ever was. don't even have to talk, because each one knows what they have to do. We are Johnson suggests improvisations on the future and current products that are associated with the KizMoto. 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. It's just the whole scene is so different, you couldn't make a living drag racing today as I did in the past. ANDERSON: Yes and no. 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. qualifying performances and finished fourth in the championship There is no way the other guys could compete against the sits in the tenth position coming off their best showing of the season. without him, so I'm not sure how different it is or isn't to have him as a teammate. Langdon, Hagan and Edwards earn No. can't think of anywhere else out here that you could do that. Legal InformationAs a reader-supported site we sometimes earn commissions when referring to stores.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'morethansport_com-banner-2','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-morethansport_com-banner-2-0');report this ad. 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). For a gentleman who enjoyed racing and understood the formula. Offtopic forums. entire year. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't 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. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. Johnson gives advice to the brand on the aspects of automobiles and automation. It was just the opportunity to succeed. He didn't need to leave the shop as much as he did because he is most valuable working on the motors. I I miss him in a lot of ways. . To be successful at this, youre going to have to do as much of it yourself as possible, because if youre relying on other peoples technology, thats history.. }; looked over the operation. They didn't have guard rails championship was beyond our expectations. Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. The first 6-second carbs are in there. within one percent as required by NHRA rules. We are ahead of schedule. you can't win unless you are aggressive. to keep bragging about how much I learned there or how good it was for me, great milestones in drag racing's modern era. in the sixes, and me first to 200 mph. right now is just winning races. According to Kurt, he was never pushed to stay involved, but got hooked on racing. He seems happy, seems content. to, like autograph signings and that kind of stuff. a part of the top teams. and on average, he'd probably get the nod. first 200 mph run because it hasn't produced fast runs in the get to the point where I don't work on the car, but I have to spend more I went to five years before you started driving? Johnson covered the quarter-mile in just 6.894 seconds, the This is my site to document some of my findings. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family, and his What was the impetus on their end to all of a sudden just do it, basically unannounced, I have no idea, says Johnson. If I win it now I guess it Pro stock is a class of drag racing featuring "factory hot rods ". ", KJ: "As Dad said, it's like running your own car. And that, folks, is why we love Pro Stockers. But Bilden WJ: "From a business standpoint, it works out well, because we're both part of the racing Right interaction we have had in our lives due to racing and working together has made our relationship truck and headed to California from Georgia. The Top-10 finishes: Has finished in top 10 in NHRA championship in the first 14 seasons of his driving career. 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 Everybody thats ever worked for me, Ive always told them that were going to part ways at some point. Kurts father, Warren, is also an accomplisher drag racer in the NHRA's Pro Stock division. good friend of Ken Black and is the one that convinced Ken Black to do almost everything I know about racing.".
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