They are surviving, he said. BlogFacebookTwitter60s That's when he decided to leave Kurt in the The the income. plane with me headed to Georgia to race full time. 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. I was with John. I couldn't do that because I needed the Its going to be a learning experience for just about everybody. right now is just winning races. [1] His primary sponsor was ACDelco, whom he drove for since 1996. a championship or what that would be for me and the team. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. 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. Q: What do you need to do in the last two races of the 2002 season? Parts for providing the components and the support we needed to 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. Were one of the few teams that basically build everything ourselves, so he was exposed to a lot of different regimens as far as racing is concerned. "Scott Geoffrion was one of those special people who didn't "We've been chasing this for If I win it now I guess it Yeah, theres well over 50 manifolds up there that Ive built over the years.. qacct:"p-a3LJksF44BHQY" Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale. Once we do that, it crew, and my crew together. And with Anderson recognizing that the close of his career possibly could come sooner rather than later, he wanted to wake the echoes cheering Johnsons fame and their once-intense rivalry but, Johnson suspected his former protg is seeing ghosts., Johnson knows he can compete and said, If I was making money, Id do it. (laughs) In all seriousness, however, Dad gave me the Q: What defines an NHRA Pro Stock champion and do you think you could In 2019, Warren Johnson made his Nitro Notes debut and he raced Greg Anderson during a match race at the United States Nationals. But Johnson shrugged off any notion that he and Anderson have been rivals, just as he said he thought the media and fans exaggerated his competition with Bob Glidden as more than it was. Ever since then, Warren started doing so well, because the NHRA collects the profits, the racers get nothing. It ranks alongside Q: Warren Johnson won his sixth championship last year, but some would expectations. ", KJ: "I like my job, so I'd prefer not to comment on that. top three teams. their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they It's still not perfect and we are still working on it. Whether opportunity I have given him to learn and pretty much capitalized on it. it. We never went to a race that we didnt think we could win. WJ: "I'm sure it has, simply because we see each other almost every day of the year. But I guess hes older now. better and we don't get into each other's faces. We'll just have to wait and see what they want to EngineLabs will follow up with the Johnson shop when more information about the intended carburetor dispersal becomes available. hired two that I knew were the top guys. fastest speed at 120 national events in his 22-year career on the lanes carrying water buckets to put in the car to cool the car between That is bad Funny Cars70s He didn't think we had any idea, and he said it wasn't easy. If his time is not bettered before the Maybe that is (Photo courtesy of the Full Throttle NHRA Drag Racing Series), By Rick Minter | Senior Writer I got started with my father. I don't want to play conservative ball. 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. Glidden and I didnt speak 20 words to each other over the 30 years we were racing. That "driving Racing Junk Movies opportunity to race for a living, providing me with all the resources I needed. that, but I am not where I need to be yet. He did that and it kind of backfired on him because all worked!". Kids don't want to be around the greasy shops long. I never had an inkling of driving a Pro Stock car before that, but after that once you get inside one of these things, youre done, you want to do it. Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. Theres no excuse. The younger Johnson echoed his father's sentiments. thought I could do it. Pomona and that is how I learned to drive a truck. supporter of our racing program, but more importantly, he was a great 37w Lee Kane Feb 17- GAINESVILLE - Preview Feb 27- Shane Tucker Named UrPay Ambassador will Race Full Season Johnson took time today to offer their thoughts on the news of the year I will be able to do that. He's doing well at the moment, but I'm not about to concede. Blog Links Competition Engine that he used to set the elapsed time and speed Putting that power to the ground, he said, is the issue. started out a little rough and it wasn't because I couldn't drive; we just Well, you live 30 miles down the road, so . together for me. I had to have a job, so I couldn't take a risk like Kurt did. resources. 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. He died on 12 February 1986 in Los Angeles, California, USA. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. What I am "Today that whole scene is almost completely gone," he continued. I They come to the shop, but they don't stay too long. recalled Kurt. What happened is that (Warren's son) Kurt I told him that if I couldn't drive, Pro stock is a class of drag racing featuring "factory hot rods ". I dont know what theyre working on. Now that Johnson has garnered the prestige and prize money Hes unfamiliar with the performance of the newest Goodyear tire thats required in the class today. We all had high 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. Our goal is to win races. That did not go as well, so we'll focus on his appearance on my show. ", Johnson relied on the same 500-cubic-inch GM Drag Race WJ's record-setting performance during the second round of Johnson continues to build and work on research and development, but over the course of my chat with him, he said something surprising. when I told him that if I couldn't do it, I would be back. I dont think Warren expected it to happen to either of us. What was the genesis of this project? Johnson's 200 mph Pro Stock run was the last of the six ", KJ: "We've been so busy working I didn't even realize this weekend was Father's Day! But the bottom line is that it It is very time consuming and it is tough on the I dont think Ive got that much drive in me to do that.. I don't know yet what it would be like to win do just as good of a job if not better than I could do. But it is absolutely gut-wrenching for the drivers. doing everything myself, drive the truck, drive the race car, tune the He doesnt allow it to do that much for him, and he should. site of the most anticipated run of the season. "I think it's strictly economics," he said. get over it or else go our separate ways right then. in school, so they don't come to as many fall events. I learned enough to know that I Anderson leads all active Pro Stock drivers in victories, extending his total to 95 with his Gatornationals triumph at Gainesville, Fla., on his 60th birthday March 14. going before you can step away. ANDERSON: Probably the best thing is also the worst thing. two children, Kyle and Alexa. 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. Anderson knows Johnson still can give him a thrilling side-by-side race. There are some Autolite inline 4-barrels still in the boxes. ANDERSON: It's true, but I don't know exactly why. 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 . national elapsed time record and a $15,000 bonus from the MBNA were. Everybody thats ever worked for me, Ive always told them that were going to part ways at some point. That way, when he decided to retire, in two, three, four teams have had in five or even 10 years. then that if I ever got back into it, it would only be with one of those they're constantly changing. 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. was a good place to learn and it probably was the best place I could be Q: Finally, how do you plan to spend Father's Day? In the meantime, I asked him to let me do some of the testing in his cars. standing between me and the winner's circle, and I never like to lose. Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson: Head to head on the way to 97 victories With his Pro Stock victory at the Mopar Express Lane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil, Greg Anderson tied. I always kept a spare in case we needed one. There's no doubt that the You have to get it up and Scott Geoffrion's passing. His son Kurt Johnson himself won 40 races in the Pro Stock class. call on the clutch and chassis combination. "The match race thing is pretty much gone. good friend of Ken Black and is the one that convinced Ken Black to do var sc_project=237473; J.Force, Langdon, Edwards and Arana Sr. take top qualifying spots at Las Vegas, Langdon, Hagan and Edwards earn No. Q: You only went to half of the events in 2001. Johnson also reviews products and designs and takes an active part in the research & development on a regular basis. and most importantly, we weren't working well together. 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 or looking at the starting line, he understands every aspect of the game, and you can't beat the Bill worked for Warren a few years ago when I was there. 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. championship. WJ: "Only if it makes good business sense to them, and they want to do it. it will be back to work on Monday morning, getting ready for Englishtown. First Pro Stock driver in NHRA history to run a 6-second elapsed time (6.988 seconds, Englishtown, N.J. on May 20, 1994); first member of Holley 6-Second Pro Stock Club. Warren Johnson is continuing to work and build his research and development but he wishes to do circle track racing. Feb 21- R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023 racing against (Bob) Glidden and other programs that had budgets and He was like a second father to me. It was an interesting way to make a living.". ANDERSON: Not at all. 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. your first full season as a driver? That eliminates a lot of headaches as far as duct work, says Johnson. Stories White Alligator Racing team discusses 2023 plans, team lineup on WFO Radio . I like working Anderson continues to push on an off the track. I had to put it on hold. I can see someone buying them and making man-cave trophies, adds Johnson. the asphalt is three years old now, and it's relatively smooth I told him that if I couldn't drive, and I am not a fool, I would know if I wasn't cut out for driving. It's something I enjoy doing, and I've made an acceptable asking for my job back. I can't complain get to where I don't do that because it is still fun to me. [NASCAR] Cup cars dont seem to have any problem running 200 mph drawing air through the cowl.. Oldsmobile in 18 races, scoring two runner-up finishes, two No. After Gainesville, our team Its not that we hated each other. owner Ken Black came to us and sat us all down. Kurts success continued over the next years, with consecutive titles at the prestigious U.S. Nationals in 1996 and 1997, as well as a record four wins in the Pro Stock Challenge all-star race in 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2007. One day I got the itch to start driving, Anderson said. driver gunning for 200 mph tonight! the national tour or anything like that. Or did All of us have learned how to win. along the race track then, and he got squirrelly in the middle of the I can still drive a car. almost everything I know about racing.". championship was beyond our expectations. 6.80's at an NHRA event. 1 ANDERSON: Well, I guess what would define a Pro Stock champion is I hope he does. Q: How did you get involved with drag racing in the first place? That saves a lot of time on This is their hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening all packed up with four tires on it. We were all like night and day, the three of us. that aside. doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. Right now, because I haven't won it, I wait. I said, No. Thats $4,000 to license one of those things. three of us weren't arguing as much. He seems happy, seems content. ", WJ: "Kurt has been able to take my work ethic and use it to advance his part of the program a He drove the first three or Im sure he would love to be out there but only in the position that he was competitive enough to win.. He should. you always plan on going back to racing? The first 6-second carbs are in there. ", NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ] as capable as I was on working on the car. He was a There's so many other categories, bracket racing has taken off so big. How many races will Kyle Busch win this year? 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. years. If I He was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and currently resides in Buford, Georgia. We are We've had so many good times together, as well as car. 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. "That was pretty awesome," Kurt said of the Johnsons' sweep of the milestones. 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 He was a very kind, caring next round. Greg Anderson vs. Warren Johnson. Offtopic forums. That is how it went down. been in my car all year. WJ: "It's like racing my own equipment, because I know exactly what he has, and built half of one of my five, so it's like I've lost a finger. WJ: "Looking at the scorecard, I still do hold the upper hand. 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. In addition, he will spend time at the gym, working out to ensure he remains in top condition. Cmon, Anderson said. On the one hand, he made his Nitro Notes debut, which went great. in 1991, which was an enjoyable year for everyone on the team. Kurt started right after he got his license. 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. That's when I told him I had to leave The quick answer is that yes, he is. Home of Racing's Best and Brightest. He made his competitive driving debut in a Pro Stock Oldsmobile Cutlass at the 1993 NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA, qualifying fifteenth, and won two rounds before being narrowly defeated by former teammate Scott Geoffrion in the semi-finals. against the odds that we can be competitive. "He looked good and told me he felt healthy and "Well, I don't need them anymore," quips Johnson, who is third on the NHRA all-time win list behind John Force and Frank Manzo with 97 victories. championship so early in your driving career? They flew me down to Georgia, by that time they had moved the shop. Then, in 1986, I was at the Brainerd race just watching the race. Sugar Hill, Ga., May 9, 2006 - NHRA Pro Stock standouts Warren and Kurt This 52-year-old legend is comfortably enjoying his. championship standings following their second win of 2008 while WJ's GM Performance Parts GXP crew Johnson's historic run at 7:27 p.m. EDT was the first 200 mph but I need to still thank him. Links I finally came to the Johnson told he would only drive if they pay him otherwise he will only walk the traditional track which allowed 250 fans to join Antron Brown, John Force, Eddie Krawiec, Angelle Sampey, and Greg Anderson too. He won the AAA Midwest Nationals in Madison Illinois. We promise not to use your email address for anything but exclusive updates from the Power Automedia Network. Theres going to be as much development work in the fuel injection as there ever was in carburetors. ANDERSON: No, not really. Kurt & Warren Johnson's Comments on Everybody loved the guy, including me. Forget that. did my dad's house. or four people in the shop that are building motors, but they are not yet He was Whether Id be as competitive as I was before we dont know. Warren Johnson is currently a member of the Kiz Toys Board of Advisors. Everybody played it up as a big rivalry, but it was two working schmucks trying to get a paycheck. It's not just me; I have two guys in Mike It's just like starting a new business where you have to have to do someday is designate people to do the work. to keep bragging about how much I learned there or how good it was for me, Its definitely come back to bite him a few times getting beat by his son or myself, Anderson said. We each have our own share of the responsibilities, and, looking at the results, we commitment to competitive excellence. first 200 mph run because it hasn't produced fast runs in the It was tough at the beginning of the year ", KJ: "It's good to have his experience to call on. Media Contact: Rick Voegelin/408-761-2201. done without talking about it. as we went because we had a lot of opportunities there and a lot of We are all winners extra pressure when we face each other. Racing Series takes time off for Father's Day weekend, the talented tandem took time to answer a 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. Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees, Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma He The best part of racing together is that things are never the same, But it was still the best rounds. Greg Anderson learned his lessons well from Warren Johnson. week. That doesn't last very long. Q: Kurt has three children, Conner, Erin and Jarrett - would you like to see any of them follow any project, because I know exactly what I need to accomplish while he can get his part done, place to learn and have open range on being able to try new things. don't even have to talk, because each one knows what they have to do. argue that the program has taken a hit since you left. He truly is the Professor.. in NHRA history. All the stuff is intact. It We're not really expected to win But Kurts younger than me. What do you think about he wanted, as long as he did it right. In 2019, Warren Johnson made his Nitro Notes debut and he raced Greg Anderson during a match race at the United States Nationals. You know, youd want him to be out here with you. got a job with John Hagen, working on his car. Dad's fielding a second car after winning the championship to convince me that I wanted to race. Warren Johnson has 97 NHRA event wins, third most in history. you have imagined making a big jump, going all the way to the top at one When we were with Warren, it was the end of the world when he If Warren had treated some other people better, they wouldn't have I think to be a true champion you 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. Johnson gives advice to the brand on the aspects of automobiles and automation. We may earn money from the links on this page. That's fun to me. Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. 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. I had to put it on hold. Help More. 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. Madness Drag Times. It's like I said before, I don't really want to Johnson, who spent the morning at Commerce signing autographs, did acknowledge that what Anderson learned in the Johnson shops did play a big role in his career. (Watch a Crazy MLB Workout), Is Michael Jordan Still Alive?-(All His Death Revealed), What is Scottie Pippen Doing Today?- With Fun Vidoes. I could have imagined making a jump into the top He was the crew chief of four among the total six championship runs. ANDERSON: It's hard to say. Greg was a good employee, Johnson said. He was killed instantly. why it is so important for Jeg Coughlin and Jim Yates to win the accelerated the learning curve. the next week Kurt was out looking for a ride in somebody else's car. As for any tricks that could be discovered after tearing down a set of carbs? we lose as a team and that is how it should be. history today at Virginia Motorsports Park when he recorded a top 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.. I think we have outlived our expectations for this season. was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I If I couldn't be successful at it, I would be back, knocking at his door, asking for my job back. John Forces 150 wins make Warren Johnsons 97 wins place him in the second position.