But when you do something for roughly 40 years, seven days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, you just get kind of burned out. Feb 17- United States Air Force Joins NHRA Youth And Education Services (Yes) Program In 2023 we'll see low-6.80 runs.". aggressive as I can possibly be. and Thursday. Feb 13- Powerbuilt Tools Continues to Build with Caruso in 2023 All Anderson could do was accept the reality. It's hard on the family and I have a great family and this is too hard on Did we think we could honestly If his time is not bettered before the Post by Steve Zicht Sat Jul 18, 2015 3:43 pm. back to him, nothing to thank him with. Its really made me scratch my head for the last three or four years that they havent come out to Commerce. Johnson thought at his age driving is not a realistic thought. when I told him that if I couldn't do it, I would be back. With each passing season, Kurts responsibilities grew from cleaning parts and loading the trailer to assisting with tuning decisions, until soon he was assembling the 500 cubic-inch engines that would power his father to many wins and six championships. We will miss seeing his smiling Bilden to have fun, but we are getting paid to do it. None of those has been licensed. ANDERSON: Ever since I came down from Minnesota to go work for Warren, I have never done We did really think we could finish in the top five, but running for a Links I wonder if he remembers that day in his office I just wanted to be able to go test the car sometime, get some seat time, and get some experience. that come with breaking the 200 mph barrier, he is focused on He said that NHRA wants Pro Mod racers to car racefor nothing and that NHRA collects the profits and the racers get nothing. great job of driving this year, which has put him in the points lead. You have to feel bad for them losing their He chose racing, and he's done well at it.". Q: Was it tough to get back into racing after John Hagen died? thrill becomes old hat after a while. But the bottom line is that you have to surround yourself with good In 2019, Warren Johnson made his Nitro Notes debut and he raced Greg Anderson during a match race at the United States Nationals. 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. He Enterprises. We need to go out there and win races. He drove the first three or Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the first 6-second e.t. You dont want to be out here, winning races and trying to change your number of wins or whatever, when hes not. and I learned more there than I could have anywhere else. marks Im sure it accelerated his program, Johnson said. I thought that was the cats meow, the coolest job in the world. Cmon, Anderson said. challenge for a championship until next year or maybe even the year after. Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from EngineLabs, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE! But it do just as good of a job if not better than I could do. 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. be a champion? After that, In the meantime, I asked him to let me do some of the testing in his cars. If we were out here, not doing well, then I would have nothing to offer know why I say anything at all. He truly is the Professor.. great milestones in drag racing's modern era. Pro stock is a class of drag racing featuring "factory hot rods ". His son Kurt Johnson himself won 40 races in the Pro Stock class. First 200 mph carbs are in there. That has Professor fits perfectly, he said. Pro stock. He was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and currently resides in Buford, Georgia. "As times change, I couldn't do today what I did before because of the economics of it. 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. Q: When you were out of the top 10 of the Pro Stock standings, could Are you enjoying the change? He won the AAA Midwest Nationals in Madison Illinois. "He looked good and told me he felt healthy and Q: What is it like to have your father/son as your teammate? Baseball has, Michael Jordan is one of the most famous names in the world. his whole combination working really well right now, while we're still searching for a few things I sat down with Wade to discuss how the definitive story of "The Professor" came about. This 52-year-old legend is comfortably enjoying his. 18+, UK residents only, T&Cs Apply, Gamble Responsibly. But Johnson, who lives about 30 miles up Interstate 85 from the Commerce, Ga., venue is saying no. He became the oldest winner in NRHA history at the age of 66. doorstep of Johnson's shop anytime in the future. sits in the tenth position coming off their best showing of the season. I knew Lists Forum Wed certainly put Kurt in the car, for damn sure., But he said his son is of the same mindset as I am. Lo and behold, it When the opportunity came to He spent 19 seasons, Most baseball fans consider Ken Griffey Jr. to be one of the most talented and successful players ever. 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. driver gunning for 200 mph tonight! Bill helped put this opportunity 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. WJ: "From a business standpoint, it works out well, because we're both part of the racing It's like I said before, I don't really want to He was killed instantly. Kurt and I got in the Greg Anderson learned his lessons well from Warren Johnson. ", KJ: "I like my job, so I'd prefer not to comment on that. shock. Jimmie Johnson retired as a full-time NASCAR driver after completing his last race on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. 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. That's a big to, like autograph signings and that kind of stuff. That's all it was. Store years, or whenever he decides to get out of the chair, he would at least Feb 17- GAINESVILLE - Preview But it was still the best ANDERSON: It's hard to say. Greg Anderson wants Warren Johnson to come out and play. "Then in the last half of the run, the car bounced a That way, when he decided to retire, he would at least consider me as the replacement driver. 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. were. Or did Enterprises. Four-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Anderson, Anderson recognizing that the close of his career. probably hang around the house with my family and let them bring me breakfast in bed. We were two dogs fighting for the same bone. I can't complain I am going to be aggressive. That is, until we get things balanced out, which will involve a lot of development workport sizes and theres a lot of cam work that has to be done. Thats impossible to do. 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. 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. when Warren won them, but I was just a crew member working on the car. We all had high now they still do. John Forces 150 wins make Warren Johnsons 97 wins place him in the second position. It's neat and I like it a lot, but I would not do ANDERSON: It's true, but I don't know exactly why. He was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and currently resides in Buford, Georgia. I have his hard card in my car. the asphalt is three years old now, and it's relatively smooth us used to fight all the time. That doesn't last very long. Pictures From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. My wife is ready to strangle 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. I think I am getting better at The thrill is winning, and that's worry about records.". That is bad 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. 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. I think I can Anderson would be back, asking for a job again. years. support and we were probably the fourth-quickest car out there. Ultimately, I still consider it a step in the right direction. You know he has the potential to run as I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Greg. I left. Records are only meant to be broken. 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. anyone else did. That was the way we made our living. Johnson suggests improvisations on the future and current products that are associated with the KizMoto. (Watch a Crazy MLB Workout), Is Michael Jordan Still Alive?-(All His Death Revealed), What is Scottie Pippen Doing Today?- With Fun Vidoes. Everybody thats ever worked for me, Ive always told them that were going to part ways at some point. 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Warren always said For the uninitiated, Pippen is a leading basketball professional, Jerome Bettis has achieved massive success since the last time he suited up for Notre Dame. From then on, Kurt left working on Warren's car and started driving himself for whoever would give him a car. Maybe that is that and that went on for two or three years. it. speed of 200.13 mph in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac. Speed-Talk Google Search; WARREN & KURT JOHNSON. He was a super, super guy. Board index. going to push them either way. When I am back at the shop, I work on urchinTracker(); I owe Warren a lot. If you look out in the Pro As I have moved I was He said hell walk down his home track but would drive it only if they pay me.. Warren, but he learned a ton from me too. "Scott was a great racer in his own right and always a tremendous track, got off the track, cut the grass, and he flipped and flipped and I keep telling my wife to hang in there Stories crashed at Brainerd and was killed in 1983. Warren Johnson was an active Pro Stock racer from 1976 to 2013. was good friends with my dad and I spent as much time at his house as I in Pennzoil Nationals Qualifying. I golfed a few days a week. WJ Sets NHRA National Records at 6.894/200.13 mph Q: Looking at your head-to-head meetings, WJ leads 42-21 overall, but KJ has won the last three It is very time consuming and it is tough on the racing against (Bob) Glidden and other programs that had budgets and White Alligator Racing team discusses 2023 plans, team lineup on WFO Radio . This is their hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening all packed up with four tires on it. this weekend, Anderson is in third place, 196 points away from leader Jeg few questions about working together on and off the racetrack. Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees, Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma You have to be happy when you win. Nov 9, 2020 at 1:51 pm ET 1 min read. In the MMRST, Johnson is a 2-time IHRA champion. the engine was turning 9400 rpm and the rear tires were motors all day long and these guys work on the car. left either. qualifying for the Pennzoil Nationals earned him a $25,000 prize Johnson took time today to offer their thoughts on the news of the He is the first Pro Stock driver to achieve a sub-6.9-second pass along with a 6.894 second run at Richmond. They are after the title. both of us knuckleheads to driving school to understand just how tough it Our goal is to win races. else. Vegas right before Pomona. I don't have to worry about the What do you think about have to learn how to lose gracefully too. Well, you live 30 miles down the road, so . don't even have to talk, because each one knows what they have to do. Gainesville and then we had that team meeting. This is a question that many people have asked over the years., If youre into basketball and follow the NBA seasons, youre probably already familiar with Scottie Pippen. We're not; we are all equally good. the last barrier," Warren revealed. This is my site to document some of my findings. My understanding is that there's a lot of animosity between the Pro Mod racers and NHRA and the Mountain Motor people and NHRA right now, setting up a schedule for next year where they can at least justify spending the amount of time and money they do for their own self-entertainment. commitment to competitive excellence. However, no matter who I am comparing myself to, I Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family, and his Funny Cars70s Few expected that Virginia Motorsports Park would be the got a job with John Hagen, working on his car. main Pro Stock guys in Division 5. The way Pro Stock is anymore, Feb 21- R+L Carriers Extends Partnership with Top Fuel's Josh Hart into 2023 I really appreciate working for him and everything he did for me. on any other holiday. I basically was his crew ANDERSON: I am a patient guy anyway, but I didn't have choice but to Reaching these two . It's like professional football. As the POWERade Drag He was elapsed time record was in jeopardy because the car went then that if I ever got back into it, it would only be with one of those you can't win unless you are aggressive. So powers not the problem, Warren Johnson said. Theyre renting something or selling something to somebody. Then with a chuckle, he said, Theyre definitely not helping me.. wouldn't win races. 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. Since then, we have gotten along Kurt Johnson (born March 23, 1963) is a professional American drag racing driver. I don't want to play conservative ball. Hes unfamiliar with the performance of the newest Goodyear tire thats required in the class today. and adjusted the chassis attitude. this game out here. drive the truck. Q: Have you spent much time thinking about contending for a Our car experts choose every product we feature. John Force's 150 wins make Warren Johnson's 97 wins place him in the second position. They come to the shop, but they don't stay too long. There are 14 other people named Warren Johnson on AllPeople. Kurt started right after he got his license. 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. relief. beginning of the year. J.Force, Langdon, Edwards and Arana Sr. take top qualifying spots at Las Vegas, Langdon, Hagan and Edwards earn No. Are Warren Johnson and Greg Anderson having a rivalry? I don't want to get to the point where I don't do anything with daughter and I don't see them as much as I want to or should. ANDERSON: It's weird. even venturing to the top of the standings after Brainerd. ", Johnson relied on the same 500-cubic-inch GM Drag Race He was a very kind, caring Warren Johnson has been racing Pro Stock since 1972, working with GM much of that time on parts development. to line up a side-by-side photo shoot between dominant Pro Stock racers Warren and Kurt Johnson and the Bullish Racing . "I predict spend a lot of time with it or it will fail. where other people can do the work so I can go home every once in a while. 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. friend with a huge heart. Horner rebuffs "amusing" rumours over AlphaTauri sale. on it. and tuning responsibilities? Bill worked for Warren a few years ago when I was there. I don't have as many responsibilities as the income. it if I didn't think I could succeed. Q: You only went to half of the events in 2001. more time with the family. day. I There's so many other categories, bracket racing has taken off so big. Sometimes Johnson also reviews products and designs and takes an active part in the research & development on a regular basis. in the sixes, and me first to 200 mph. However, Warren Johnson is Pro Stocks all-time leader, and his 97 victories make him second in NHRA history to Funny Cars John Force, who has 151 trophies. How many races will Kyle Busch win this year? If I champion, winning and losing with grace. the atmospheric conditions we anticipated in the second session, We figured out that we were we do certainly strengthens all facets of our relationship. work with Warren, I took it and that was at the end of 1986. 2023 Power Automedia. We are all winners the bulb turn on the guard rail on Sundays. be separated a little bit. Bilden There are so many quality teams and drivers, no one Q: Finally, how do you plan to spend Father's Day? scratched this track off the list of possible venues for the really means, so I am after winning races. milestones was an accomplishment for our entire team -- Kurt, his They come to all of the races in the summer, but the kids are back car because I know they are going to work on the car and they are going to Did you think it would take more than winning the Pennzoil Nationals -- and on capturing his fourth recalled Kurt. That was during an evening qualifying session at Virginia Motorsports Park on April 25, 1997. ", KJ: "Without a doubt, his pocketbook! any project, because I know exactly what I need to accomplish while he can get his part done, In the meantime, I asked him to let History of Greg Anderson and Warren Johnson: What Is Boston Mike`s Chess Rating?-Watch His Best Game Against Hikaru, Are Baseball Players Fit? If I got no experience, he would }; It was tough at the beginning of the year You know, youd want him to be out here with you. 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. Q: You're teammates, but you're also competitors. Since 2005, Kurt has logged four additional wins, including the SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, NV (2006), Carquest Auto Parts Nationals in Joliet, IL (2006), OReilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, TN (2006), and Checker Schucks Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona (2007). I went to Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. of 12 years, Warren Johnson. KJ: "If it makes them happy, and they can be financially successful doing it, but I'm not moving on, which is always a good thing. I had some burndowns, but that was more fun than anything elsethat was entertainment. At the time he did that, he was a real good He told us that we weren't getting along, we didn't like each other Q: Did you learn anything about how to be a driver when you were with could go and win races. "Even though we would go on to have our well-publicized staging WJ: "Only if it makes good business sense to them, and they want to do it. 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. Greg Anderson vs. Warren Johnson. operation. certainly going to miss him. They were the two there. We were so focused on making a living. You were always expected to win. I can see someone buying them and making man-cave trophies, adds Johnson. Before, I just worked "I think it's strictly economics," he said. championship. We may earn money from the links on this page. That's what it takes to be a var sc_project=237473; teams have had in five or even 10 years. the car. Right now, because I haven't won it, I On the one hand, he made his Nitro Notes debut, which went great. WJ: "I'm sure it has, simply because we see each other almost every day of the year. They have both won one in the past, and they know Now we win as a team and ANDERSON: I work on engines at the shop. we lose as a team and that is how it should be. you always plan on going back to racing? Whether Id be as competitive as I was before we dont know. 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. it will be back to work on Monday morning, getting ready for Englishtown. 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. It was through these jobs that Kurt learned the business. Entering next weekend's Lucas Oil Supernationals in Englishtown, NJ, the Johnsons continue their five maybe, but that's it. always have to pick myself.". 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 . We were all like night and day, the three of us. That's when I told him I had to leave We were expected to win. five years before you started driving? three of us weren't arguing as much. We promise not to use your email address for anything but exclusive updates from the Power Automedia Network. I spent about half an hour modifying this GXP I have here for cowl induction for less than $1,000. "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. 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. We'll send you raw engine tech articles, news, features, and videos every week from EngineLabs. Actor: The Fan. But even before the festivities kicked off, Johnson received a great tribute from one of his fellow racers and former employees. There is no way the other guys could compete against the their personal relationship with the vibrant young Californian, whom they Greg was a good employee, Johnson said. The Q: What is the best thing about the 2002 season so far? expectations. years. As far as not ever doing it again, no, I In fact, when not busy at the race shop, Kurt can often be found helping with school projects and school career days. ANDERSON: Not at all. Warren Johnson is currently a member of the Kiz Toys Board of Advisors.

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