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NHRA: Warren Johnson to debut Pontiac Grand Am in 2001 season

26 October 2000

WARREN JOHNSON TO CAMPAIGN NEW GM GOODWRENCH SERVICE PLUS PONTIAC GRAND AM
IN 2001

"Professor of Pro Stock" Has Great Expectations for New Grand Am

SUGAR HILL, Ga. - Warren Johnson will have a new set of wheels next year
when he debuts his GM Goodwrench Service Plus Grand Am at the
season-opening NHRA AutoZone Winternationals on February 1, 2001. The
five-time Pro Stock champion will trade in the Pontiac Firebird that
propelled him to NHRA Winston titles in 1998 and 1999 for the smaller, more
aerodynamic Grand Am body design.

    "We've had great success with the Firebird," said Johnson. "We won
two championships, won 26 NHRA national events, set six national elapsed
time records, and established eight national speed records. The Firebird
has been a terrific race car, but after five years of refining the design
I'm ready to take on a new challenge with the Grand Am.

    "We've been working on this project for almost a year," Johnson
revealed. "Based on the preliminary wind tunnel tests, I believe that my GM
Goodwrench Service Plus 2001 Grand Am will be my best race car yet. I've
campaigned a variety of body styles in my 26 years as a professional Pro
Stock racer, and I like what I see in the Grand Am."

    The tape measure backs up W.J.'s optimism. The Grand Am is seven
inches narrower and has a two-inch longer wheelbase than the Firebird that
Johnson is driving in 2000. "The Grand Am's smaller front area and overall
shape will translate into faster speeds," Johnson explained. "The Grand
Am's longer wheelbase will also improve stability. The distance between the
rear suspension links is reduced which makes the chassis more predictable
on the initial launch. Overall it's a terrific package with championship
potential."

    Johnson's new Grand Am will carry the familiar black-and-silver colors
of his longtime sponsor, GM Service Parts Operations (SPO). The 2001 season
will mark GM SPO's 16th year as W.J.'s major sponsor. The association
between GM SPO and Warren Johnson Enterprises is one of the most successful
relationships in motorsports.

    "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."

    "Our long-term relationships with GM SPO and Pontiac give our team
the stability and resources that are absolutely crucial for success in
an intensely competitive and technically demanding category like Pro
Stock," said Johnson. "Our racing program is focused on long-term research
and development to maintain and enhance our competitive advantage. GM SPO
has a keen understanding that consistency and commitment are the
cornerstones for continued success."

    Johnson believes that the debut of a new generation of Pro Stock race
cars will enhance interest in the Pro Stock class. "The fans are going to
see entirely new cars in Pro Stock next year," he noted. "It's important
for the continued popularity of the Pro Stock class to have a wide variety
of body styles and manufacturers represented on the track. Drag racing fans
develop fierce loyalties to both drivers and brands, and rivalries are
definitely an important element in entertaining the fans."

    With 80 career victories, Johnson has the most wins among active Pro
Stock racers. Johnson has won at least one national event for 19 straight
years and has qualified for 261 consecutive races since March 1987 - the
longest active streaks in NHRA competition.

    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.