NHRA Warren Johnson Pre Race: WJ Targets Double Honors in
Sonoma
Driver to be Inducted into Infineon Raceway's Wall
of Fame
Sugar Hill, Ga., July 26, 2005 - Prior to Sunday's final eliminations of
this weekend's NHRA national event in Sonoma, CA, six-time Pro Stock
champion Warren Johnson will be inducted into Infineon Raceway's Wall of
Fame. The Pontiac pilot will be only the third
driver so honored, and the first from the world of drag racing. It is
yet another milestone in his illustrious career, and although he is
naturally humbled to have his many accomplishments and contributions to
the sport recognized in this manner, the pragmatic Johnson prefers to
set his sights on expanding this list even further.
"It's quite an honor to be inducted to Infineon Raceway's Wall of Fame,
especially being the first drag racer," stated Johnson. "I guess you
could say it shows that someone has been paying attention to what we've
been doing out there for all these years. It's also important that
someone is taking notice of the sport of drag racing, and that is always
a good thing.
"However, even as I am bestowed with this tremendous award, our primary
focus will remain on Sunday's final eliminations. There will always be
time to look back on what we've done. For now, however, the entire GM
Performance Parts team wants to make more history by winning this race."
This weekend will have even further significance for Johnson, as it will
mark his last race in his trusted Grand Am before switching to the sleek
new GM Performance Parts GTO. The relationship between WJ and the
venerable Pontiac has been a productive one. Since its debut at the
2001 Winternationals in Pomona, CA, Johnson has made 97 national event
starts, with 14 wins (including the first for the marque at the 2001
Checker Schuck's Kragen Nationals in Phoenix, AZ), 13 No. 1 qualifying
performances, a 131-82 elimination round record, as well as the 2001
NHRA Pro Stock championship. Although the chance might evoke an
emotional response from other competitors, it is just another day at the
office for "The Professor".
"I've never gotten sentimentally attached to any race car I've driven,"
said Johnson. "Certainly, this current body style has served us well,
but to me, they are all nothing but tools with which I make my living.
The way I see it, switching to the GM Performance Parts GTO means I am
getting rid of my trusty, old 9/16" box wrench and getting a brand new
speed handle."
Finally, this race marks the end of the NHRA's traditional
three-races-in-three-weeks segment known as the "West Coast Swing".
Although it has been a roller-coaster ride for Johnson during the first
two events, as a win in Denver was followed by an early exit in Seattle,
the last three events have been quite successful for the two-car Warren
Johnson Enterprises team, as son Kurt has won twice to climb back into
championship contention.
"It's starting to come together slowly but surely," said Johnson. "The
toughest part of the West Coast Swing is that it keeps us away from
working at the shop to accelerate our programs even more. We know what
we need to do to advance the pace of our cars, it's just a matter of
getting back there to do it. Of course, there's nothing we can do about
the schedule other than making the best of it.
"Fortunately, we've been able to keep pace during this three-race
stretch. We had a good race in Denver, and in Seattle those closest to
me in the points decided to graciously bow out when I did. This weekend
in Sonoma, we need to avoid any mistakes and do whatever we can to make
it to the winner's circle. After all, the best compliment for my Wall
of Fame induction in the morning will be taking home the Wally (the
nickname for the NHRA national event winner's trophy) in the afternoon."
Notes on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts Pontiac Racing team
entering the
California Nationals:
* WJ is stout in Sonoma: This will be Warren's 18th NHRA
appearance at Infineon Raceway, where he has three wins in five final
round appearances, which is the most among active Pro Stock drivers. In
addition, WJ was the No. 1 qualifier four times, has a 4.8 average
starting position and has an elimination round record of 27-12 in his
previous 15 Sonoma starts.
* No. 1 in National event wins: WJ's 95 national event victories
are the most ever in the history of the Pro Stock division and place him
second on the all-time NHRA win list. His most recent win came two
weeks ago at the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, CO.
* Career Best Elapsed Time: 6.679 seconds, Gainesville, FL,
3/20/05
* Career best top speed: 207.50 mph, Englishtown, NJ, 6/19/05
Event Schedule:
Friday, July 29 - Two qualifying
sessions at 3:45 & 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, July 30 - Two qualifying
sessions at 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 - Pre-race ceremonies
begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by
the first
round of eliminations at 11:00 a.m.
Television Schedule:
Qualifying: Saturday, July 30 -
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
(Repeat) Sunday, July 31 -
3:00 - 5:00 a.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, July 31 -
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
(Repeat) Monday, August 1 -
2:00 - 4:30 a.m.
NHRA2Day: Sunday, July 31 -
8:30 - 9:00 p.m.
(Please consult your local listings for exact times, as the schedule is
subject to change.)
