NHRA Warren Johnson Pre Race: After a Productive Week, WJ Looks to Reap the Rewards in Reading

Contact:

     Jon G. Knapp

     TMG Sports Marketing

     (704) 662-3121

     jgknapp@tmgsports.net

 

 After a Productive Week, WJ Looks to Reap the Rewards in Reading 

  GM Performance Parts GTO crew handles hectic schedule to prepare for
Toyo Tires Nationals

 

Sugar Hill, Ga., September 13, 2006 - Pro Stock legend Warren Johnson
approaches life in the same fashion as he does a run down the racetrack,
making the most of every second available.  For example, in the short
period since the last POWERade Drag Racing Series event in Indianapolis,
Johnson and his GM Performance Parts crew have performed their normal
between race maintenance on their 1,400-horsepower GTO, did a little
research and development to further improve their performance, conducted
a one-day test session at Atlanta Dragway to gain additional tuning data
on their still-new race car, took part in a video shoot for their
sponsor and completed emergency repairs on the team's transporter.

 

As if this were not enough, Johnson will also take time prior to this
weekend's Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, PA to stop by Bergey
Chevrolet in Colmar on Thursday evening to greet his fans and sign a few
autographs.  Although others might wilt under the pressures of such a
hectic schedule, it is just part of the daily routine for the six-time
champion.

 

"It's been a typical week here at our shop in Sugar Hill," said Johnson.
"As I have always maintained, a little hard work never hurt anyone.  We
had a few days in which we needed to accomplish a laundry list of items,
so this GM Performance Parts GTO crew lowered our heads, got everything
done and, as a result, had a very productive week, as well as a little
fun along the way.  But, our work is only just starting - we still have
a little matter to take care of in Reading.  

 

Once he arrives at Maple Grove Raceway, however, the previously
multitasking Johnson will focus his efforts solely on scoring his fifth
win at Maple Grove Raceway.  Located in the middle of the Pennsylvania
farm country just outside of the city of Reading, this venerable
quarter-mile has witnessed its share of record runs in all professional
categories.  In addition, racers are traditionally greeted by capacity
crowds, further adding to the experience.  Having raced and won in the
Keystone State for over 20 years, "The Professor" is well versed in what
it takes to succeed at the 'Grove on Sunday, and looks to add to his
stellar resume there this weekend.

 

"We brought out this current GM Performance Parts GTO at the last race
in Indianapolis," detailed Johnson.  "Although it was certainly a
learning experience, the car seemed to get better with every run.  We
brought it back to the shop, made a few changes based on what we had
learned, and then made a few test runs to see how it reacted.  Even
though we were running on a rather marginal track, we did run quicker
than the other Pro Stock cars testing at the same time, so the initial
indications are pretty good.  Naturally, we'll have to see how it pans
out under race conditions this weekend.  

 

"Looking at the forecast, I doubt we'll see any national records set
this weekend, but since they groomed the track a few years ago, the
surface at Maple Grove has been pretty good.  Naturally, we haven't seen
it in a year, so we can't be sure what the winter and summer conditions
have done until we get there, but it will be the same for everyone, so
we'll just have to deal with the cards we're dealt.  For as small a
facility as it is and with accessibility limited to a couple two-lane
roads, this race is remarkably well attended, and the fans truly seem to
enjoy Pro Stock racing, so we'll do our best to put on a great show for
them while doing whatever we need to take home the trophy."

 

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

The 22nd annual Toyo Tires Nationals:

 

WJ Has Been Right on Track in Reading:  This will be Warren's 22nd
career NHRA national event at Maple Grove Raceway.  In his previous 20
starts, he has four wins (which is the most by a Pro Stock driver) in
nine final round appearances (including six in a row from 1991-1996),
and a 44-16 elimination round record for a .733 win percentage.  WJ's
most recent Reading win came in 2003, when he defeated Troy Coughlin in
the final.

 

WJ's Qualifying Stats at "The Grove":  In 20 Maple Raceway starts, WJ
has six No. 1 qualifying performances, 16 starts in the top four
positions and a stellar 3.1 average starting position.

 

One Year Ago:  Warren qualified sixth with a 6.748-second, 204.23 mph
pass, and advanced to the quarterfinals.

 

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, September 15:            One qualifying sessions at 2:00 & 5:00
p.m.

Saturday, September 16:        Two qualifying sessions at 11:00 a.m. &
2:00 p.m.

            Sunday, September 17:           Pre-race ceremonies starting
at 10:00 a.m.

                                                             First Round
of Eliminations at 11:00 a.m.

Television Coverage:

            Qualifying:

                        Saturday, September 16:    4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

            Eliminations:

                        Sunday, September 17:      7:00  - 10:00 p.m.

            NHRA2Day:

                        Sunday, September 17:      11:30 a.m. - 12:00
noon

 

 

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

 

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