NHRA Warren Johnson Pre Race: WJ is Ready to Handle the Heat in Memphis

Sugar Hill, Ga., August 16, 2006 - For the last calendar year, Warren
Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Racing team have competed with the
same Jerry Haas-built Pontiac GTO.  In that time, they have entered 24
NHRA national events and conducted numerous test sessions at tracks from
Florida to Georgia, scoring a No. 1 qualifying performance in Brainerd
in its first race and a thrilling win in Phoenix earlier this year.

 

However, at this weekend's O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, TN,
Johnson and his 1,400-horsepower hot rod will enter one last race
together, as the most successful driver in Pro Stock history prepares to
bring out a new, updated chassis at the following event.  Although a
Hollywood writer would script this as the perfect setting for one last
sentimental win, the pragmatic Johnson will be all business as he
returns to Memphis Motorsports Park.

 

"A race car is just another tool at our disposal, much like a 9/16'
wrench, with its efficiency subject to the skill of the person using
it," opined Johnson.  "Although it took us some time to sort it out,
this particular GM Performance Parts GTO has been really coming around
over the last three races. It has performed predictably, responding to
the changes we have made.  We did have the motor shut off on us in the
first round last weekend, but that was due to a mechanical issue that we
have since taken care of.  Other than that, it has been fine.

 

"We are planning to use our new car in Indianapolis, but that is subject
to our being able to complete and successfully test it before then.  If
not, we would have no problem using this particular chassis.  In any
case, our objective will remain the same as it is this and every weekend
- to win."

 

Located in the Memphis suburb of Millington, Memphis Motorsports Park is
a multifaceted motorsports facility, combining a dirt oval track and a
road course with the quarter-mile drag strip.  The site of an NHRA
national event since 1988, its tricky racing surface and wilting weather
conditions challenge crew chiefs and drivers to find the right
combination to deliver a winning performance.  With more wins than any
other Pro Stock driver on the Volunteer State quarter-mile, Johnson
knows a key component to race day success will be maintaining lane
choice.

 

"The track in Memphis has a series of bumps, particularly the right hand
lane, which is traditionally two to three hundredths slower," detailed
Johnson.  "Therefore, if things go as they have for us this season, I
will be in the right lane for the good session in qualifying this
weekend.  However, given the fact that we're not usually racing under
premium atmospheric conditions in Memphis you're not going to go that
fast, so the bumps don't affect you as badly as if we had great
conditions.  

 

"Looking at the forecast, it appears we'll also have to deal with the
tremendous heat, much like we did last year.  As we do at every race,
we'll tune for the conditions as far as gear ratio and suspension set-up
as well as the available amount of horsepower, which in our case is
mostly dictated by Mother Nature.  We'll also have to take whatever
steps we can to protect ourselves, staying hydrated and finding whatever
way we can to stay as cool as we can.  Naturally, the conditions will be
the same for everyone in the pit area, so we will deal with it as best
as possible.  

"The bottom line is that we need to reward these fans with a good show.
Year after year, despite conditions ranging from torrential rain to
suffocating heat, they keep coming back to support us.  Hopefully, our
GM Performance Parts GTO crew can pay them back with an entertaining
race.  Besides, before we put this particular tool back in the drawer
for one last time, we might as well park it in the winner's circle."

 

Quick Notes on Warren Johnson & the GM Performance Parts GTO team
entering

The 19th annual O'Reilly Mid-South Nationals:

 

Memphis hasn't raced without WJ:  This will be Warren's 19th career NHRA
national event at Memphis Motorsports Park.  In his previous 23 starts,
he has four wins (which is tied with John Force for the most by any NHRA
professional driver) in five final round appearances, and a 25-11
elimination round record for a .694 win percentage.  

 

WJ's Qualifying Stats in Millington:  In 17 Memphis Motorsports Park
starts, WJ has three No. 1 qualifying performances, 11 starts in the top
three positions and a 4.18 average starting position.

 

One Year Ago:  Warren qualified eighth with a 6.824-second, 201.34 mph
pass, but was upset in the first round.

 

Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.644 seconds, Sonoma, CA, 7/29/06

 

Career best top speed:  207.88 mph, Englishtown, NJ, 6/16/06

 

Event Schedule:

Friday, August 18:           Two qualifying sessions at 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 19:      Two qualifying sessions at 2:00 & 6:00 P.M.

            Sunday, August 20:         Pre-race ceremonies starting at
2:00 p.m.

                                                     First Round of
Eliminations at 3:00 p.m.

Television Coverage:

            Qualifying:

                        Saturday, August 19:    8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

            Eliminations:

                        Sunday, August 20:      10:00 p.m. - Midnight

            NHRA2Day:

                        Sunday, August 20:      11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon

 

 (All times Eastern.  Please check your local listings for exact
broadcast times in your area.)