Warren Johnson: The Professor of Pro Stock

At an age where most people are starting to slow down, Warren Johnson continues to go faster.

Through it all, Johnson has maintained an unparalleled level of competitive and technical excellence. With six NHRA Pro Stock championships, 96 national event wins and 136 No. 1 qualifying positions, his place among the best in the history of the sport is assured.

"From the very beginning, our goal was to win every race we entered," states Johnson. "After over 40 years, nothing has changed."

The Professor's Early Lessons

Growing up on a farm in northern Minnesota, Johnson was able to nurture his interest in all things mechanical by maintaining and often improving the family's farm equipment. Eventually, his attention turned towards the automobile, leading to forays at Minnesota Dragways with a street-driven '57 Chevy, competing in the Modified Eliminator category.

Starting with building engines for others, Johnson's motorsports involvement grew. In the early 70's he loaded a Camaro built in his garage on an open trailer and headed to Indianapolis for the biggest event in drag racing, the U.S. Nationals. Although his original intent was to restrict his participation to local races and occasional events, by 1976 he realized the viability of a full-time racing career, and the die was cast.

Success came early for Johnson, with three final-round appearances (including at the prestigious U.S. Nationals) and a runner-up finish in the championship standings during his rookie season. Switching to the IHRA in 1979, he captured his first championship, backing up that performance with a second title in 1980 behind the wheel of a car owned by Georgian Jerome Bradford, the only time in his career that he drove for someone else.

In 1982, Johnson moved to Duluth, Georgia in order to extend his racing season and simultaneously returned to the NHRA circuit. During that year, he posted the first three NHRA national event wins of his career, starting an incredible 22-year streak in which he would win at least one race a year.

Partnered With Performance Parts

Taking note of his remarkable performance, General Motors approached Johnson in the middle of 1982 to enlist his assistance in developing a drag racing powerplant specifically for the new 500 cubic-inch NHRA Pro Stock engine rule.

In 1986, one of the more successful relationships in drag racing history was born when Johnson joined forces with GM Service Parts Operation and debuted the GM Goodwrench Performance Parts sponsorship on his Olds Firenza, carrying them to three wins in seven final round appearances and a runner-up finish in that year's championship battle.

"Gaining sponsorship allowed me to start investing in the equipment I needed to become self-sufficient," stated Johnson. "My approach has always been to do as much as possible in-house, and General Motors' involvement has allowed me to do that. I have been with them since 1983, and I've enjoyed it. I hope they have gotten a good value for their investment.

In their twenty years together, while carrying the colors of ACDelco, GM Goodwrench and GM Performance Parts, Johnson has accumulated a staggering six, 83 national event wins and 126 No. 1 qualifying performances. Driving Oldsmobiles, Chevrolets and Pontiacs of all shapes and sizes, he has made the NHRA record books his personal diary, including being the first Pro Stock competitor to post a top speed above 180, 190 and 200 mph.

Today, the white-haired, steely-eyed Johnson remains one of his sport's most visible icons, respected and feared by his competitors and cheered by legions of fans. Named as one of the NHRA's Top 50 drivers during their 50th anniversary celebration, the man known for his tireless work ethic continues to be a threat at every race entered. The Professor believes he still has a few lessons to teach the competition.