| Words by Jon
G. Knapp
Photos courtesy Warren Johnson Racing
6/24/05
As Warren Johnson makes his last campaign this year as
a Pro Stock driver, we will run a series of highlights, photos
and memories from each racetrack prior to each NHRA event.
WJ’S FIRST MADISON
RACE & WIN – 1997
Race Car: 1997 GM Goodwrench Service Plus
Pontiac Firebird
Performance: WJ Qualified Second, 7.017 seconds,
196.76 mph
Defeated Darrell Alderman, Steve Schmidt, Kurt Johnson and
Jim Yates
In Warren’s Words:
“This was back
when we had a big rivalry with Yates, who had teamed up with
(Richard) Maskin. We had an on-going verbal battle throughout
the season, which I’m sure added a little stimulus to
my beating him on a holeshot in the final.
“At that time, Gateway International Raceway was brand
new, and the concrete portion of the racetrack, as I remember
was a little rough. We were concerned about it, especially
with the elevated temperatures during the day, so they ground
it immediately after the race, so it was smoother, but the
composition of the concrete was such that you still had a
rough time getting hold of the racetrack on the starting line.”
Notes of the time:
* This marked the fourth time in his career that Warren won
in his first race at a particular track. (The others were
Fremont and Irvine, CA, and Richmond, VA)
* This was the 63rd win of WJ’s career in his 102nd
final round appearance, and fourth of the 1997 season.
* WJ defeated archrival Yates on a holeshot in the St. Louis
final, using a .029 light and a 7.064-second, 196.16 mph pass
to edge Yates’ quicker, but losing, 7.049 second, 195.90
mph run.
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