NHRA: GM Extends Warren Johnson Sponsorship
27 October 1999
GRAND BLANC, Mich. - One of the most successful partnerships in
motorsports will continue into the next century with GM Service Parts
Operations' announcement today of a three-year sponsorship agreement with
Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson. Johnson's record-setting Pontiac will
represent the GM Goodwrench Service Plus brand in the most technically
sophisticated category in NHRA drag racing through 2002.
"Warren Johnson's knowledge, experience, and technical ability reflect
the qualities that have made GM Goodwrench Service Plus the gold standard
in automotive service," said Bill Fitzgerald, manager of event marketing
for GM Service Parts Operations. "Warren's determination and his commitment
to excellence are qualities that we want to associate with GM Goodwrench
Service Plus. The enduring association between Warren Johnson Enterprises
and General Motors exemplifies the teamwork that is essential for success
in both motorsports and business."
Pontiac has also extended its sponsorship agreement with Johnson, who
has set speed and elapsed time records with his aerodynamic Firebirds.
"Warren Johnson is one of the most recognizable personalities in drag
racing, and fans know they can count on him to be a contender at every
event," said Fred Simmonds, Pontiac motorsports marketing manager.
"Warren's championship-winning Firebirds embody the driving excitement that
is an integral part of Pontiac's brand character."
Johnson clinched his fifth career NHRA Pro Stock championship and
scored his 79th career victory at the O'Reilly Fall Nationals in Dallas on
Sunday. He has the most wins among active Pro Stock racers. Johnson has won
at least one national event for 18 straight years and has qualified for
every race since 1987 - the longest active streaks in NHRA competition.
"The continuation of our sponsorship agreements with GM Service
Parts Operations and Pontiac will give our team the stability and resources
that are absolutely crucial for success in such a competitive arena," said
Johnson. "Our racing program is focused on long-term research and
development to maintain and enhance our competitive advantage. GM Service
Parts Operations has a keen understanding that consistency and commitment
lay the foundation for future success.
"I'm proud to represent the thousands of highly trained GM
Goodwrench Service Plus technicians who maintain and service vehicles in
General Motors dealerships," Johnson continued. "I rely on many of the
same factory-engineered components that these men and women install in
customers' vehicles. I depend on ACDelco RAPIDFIRE Spark Plugs, ACDelco Oil
Filters, and ACDelco Batteries to keep my race car running strong - and I
count on GM Performance Parts to deliver the horsepower I need to win races
and championships."
GM Service Parts Operations became the primary sponsor of Johnson's
racing team in 1986 when his black and silver Oldsmobile Firenza first
carried the GM Goodwrench Performance Parts logo. In 1988 W.J. unveiled a
new Oldsmobile in the red, white, and blue colors of ACDelco - and four
years later, W.J. and ACDelco captured their first Pro Stock crown. GM
Performance Parts returned as Johnson's major sponsor in his 1993 and 1995
championship seasons. Warren debuted his new GM Goodwrench Service Plus
colors in 1997, and won back-to-back Pro Stock titles in 1998 and 1999.
ACDelco and GM Performance Parts have continued their affiliation with the
"Professor" as associate sponsors.
Just as Warren Johnson sets the gold standard in performance,
GM Goodwrench Service Plus sets the gold standard in automotive service.
GM Goodwrench Service raised the standard for the entire service industry
by offering high-quality service, GM-trained technicians, and genuine GM
parts. The "Plus" in the program gives customers even more value:
competitive pricing, courtesy transportation, a limited lifetime service
guarantee, and convenient service hours. Total customer satisfaction is the
cornerstone of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus program.
GM Service Parts Operations' role in Johnson's success was
acknowledged when GM Performance Parts was voted "Pro Stock Sponsor of the
Year" on the Car Craft All-Star Drag Racing Team in 1995, 1996, and 1998.
GM Performance Parts was also a finalist in the "Sportsman Sponsor"
category in 1999.
"Drag racing fans have recognized that GM Service Parts Operations and
GM Performance Parts have made a significant impact in the sport through
its support of our racing programs," Warren observed. "We couldn't be
successful without them!"