NHRA Warren Johnson Pre Race: The Professor Tests to Produce
Results in Reading
WJ & Crew Continue Learning About their GTO
Sugar Hill, Ga., September 12, 2005 - Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion
Warren Johnson is known as "The Professor" for his studious approach to
Pro Stock racing. Therefore, it is fitting that as part of their
preparations for this weekend's NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading,
PA, Johnson and his crew will hope to test on three separate occasions
as they work to determine the performance envelope of their GM
Performance Parts GTO.
Less than two days after competing in Indianapolis, the familiar yellow
Pontiac with the star-spangled tail, as well as son Kurt Johnson's
ACDelco Cobalt, were in the General Motors wind tunnel in Michigan, as
the team worked to confirm the sleek new cars' aerodynamic tendencies.
After a brief stop at the team's shop in Sugar Hill, GA, they moved on
to Atlanta Dragway, making as many productive runs as the untreated
surface would allow. Finally, Johnson will hope to complete his
pre-race efforts by squeezing one final day of testing.
"We went to the wind tunnel to compare our GM Performance Parts GTO to
the Cobalt, and to confirm exactly what kind of car we had
aerodynamically," explained Johnson. "After that, we went to Atlanta,
hoping to make a few runs, but were limited in what we could do by a
total lack of surface preparation. Therefore, we'll try to test on
Wednesday in Rockingham, but a lot will depend on the hurricane that's
hanging off shore.
"We know what the basic performance characteristics of this car should
be, it's just a matter of getting there. We've noticed that all the
GTOs tend to leave the line differently than the Grand Ams they
replaced, which is what we experienced in the very beginning with our
car. Unfortunately, we were thrown off slightly by a shock that was
slowly deteriorating, and are finally coming back to grips with what
this car needs."
Although the team is early in the learning process with their new race
car, they are quite familiar with the racing surface at Maple Grove
Raceway, site of this weekend's race. This will mark Johnson's 21st
appearance at the venerable Pennsylvania quarter-mile, as he has
appeared in every NHRA national event held there. Starting with his
runner-up performance in 1985, WJ has been the most prolific Pro Stock
driver in the Keystone State, with four wins in nine final round
appearances. It is a record of success he looks to continue this
weekend.
"At this time of year, the weather in Reading can be a Jekyll vs. Hyde
situation," said Johnson. "We have seen new national records set in Pro
Stock at Maple Grove when we had absolutely pristine conditions, while
we've also been rained out there the last two years. It's just one of
those unpredictable situations that you don't know what you have until
you get there. Fortunately, the forecast is calling for good weather
this weekend.
"They resurfaced this track a few years ago because they had a serious
problem with a bump at about 800-900 feet, after which the surface has
been pretty good. The track will certainly hold record performances,
the limiting factor will be the atmospheric conditions.
"But whatever the circumstances, this GM Performance Parts team just has
to race and do the best job that we can. We should certainly be able to
perform at a level to win races, it's just a matter of doing it. We've
been fighting a couple gremlins, and once we eliminate them, we should
be in good shape."
Notes on Warren Johnson and the GM Performance Parts GTO Racing team
entering the
Toyo Tires Nationals:
* WJ is a Top Runner in Reading: This will be Warren's 21st NHRA
appearance at Maple Grove Raceway, where he has four wins in nine final
round appearances, which is the most among Pro Stock drivers. In his 19
previous starts, WJ has complied a 43-15 elimination round record for a
.741 win percentage.
* The Professor Starts Strong at the 'Grove: WJ has been the No.
1 qualifier six times in Pennsylvania, with only four starts outside the
top three starting positions, and a 2.95 average starting position.
* 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 at the
2005 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, September 16 - Two qualifying
sessions at 2:00 & 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 - Two qualifying
sessions at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 18 - 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, September 17 -
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Eliminations: Sunday, September 18 -
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
NHRA2Day: Sunday, September 18 -
11:30 a.m. - 12 noon
(Please consult your local listings for exact times, as the schedule is
subject to change.)
