By Rick Voegelin. Photo by Jeff Burk
In a season that has seen drag racing history made at
virtually every event, Warren Johnson can reach another milestone
in his storied career this weekend at the NHRA O'Reilly Fall Nationals.
If Johnson advances his GM Goodwrench Service Plus Pontiac to the
second round of eliminations at the Texas Motorplex, he will become
the first Pro Stock driver to compete in 1,000 rounds of racing in
NHRA national event competition.
Coming into the 22nd event of the 24-race Winston Drag
Racing Series, W.J. has appeared in 998 rounds. He's compiled a 712-286
record since 1971 -- a 71.3 percent winning average. Johnson has faced
117 drivers to date, and has a winning record against all but 11 of
them. Johnson's closest rival, Bob Glidden, competed in 818 rounds
during his legendary career.
"To put 1,000 rounds into perspective, you have to remember
that's only 250 miles of racing," Johnson laughed. "That's a short
day for a NASCAR driver. Of course, I don't get any second chances
on race day.
"The only way to get to 1,000 rounds is to stay in the
sport for the long haul," W.J. noted. "When I chose drag racing as
my profession, I made a long-term commitment.
"I've been blessed to be able to race at this level
for so many years," he added. "It all begins with quality sponsorship
support and a sanctioning body with a consistent program that delivers
value for both sponsors and spectators."
The odds favor W.J. this weekend in Dallas. In 18 previous
events at the Motorplex, he's won 44 rounds, scoring five victories
in 11 final-round appearances. He's qualified in the No. 1 spot 11
times on the all-concrete quarter-mile. The Johnson family has been
represented in the last 12 final rounds in Dallas, a streak that began
in 1993.
"I expect some spectacular performances in Texas," Johnson
predicted. "Perhaps not quite on the same level as the last race in
Reading, but certainly faster than Dallas has seen in the past. I've
been watching the weather forecast, and it appears we'll have cool
temperatures. That's why we spent two days this week testing cold-weather
setups. Of course, I expect everyone who ran fast in Reading will
be fast at the Motorplex, too."
Johnson's mastery of the Texas Motorplex is a product
of his decades of experience on a variety of tracks.
"The only negative factor we have to deal with at the
Motorplex is its unusually narrow groove," W.J. explained. "Since
the racing surface is entirely concrete, the cars typically don't
stray very far from the straight and narrow path. If you do get out
of the groove, however, there is very little traction and it's almost
impossible to salvage the run."
Johnson wrapped up his fifth Winston championship at
the Motorplex in 1999. This year, with a 134-point lead over second-ranked
Jim Yates, W.J. cannot mathematically clinch his sixth title -- but
the Professor has certainly learned the value of patience in his long
run to 1,000 rounds of racing.
WARREN JOHNSON'S TEXAS MOTORPLEX RECORD:
| Year |
Qualified |
Result |
| 1986 |
2 |
Runner-up (to Glidden) |
| 1987 |
2 |
Second Round |
| 1988 |
Non-NHRA event |
| 1989 |
1 |
Winner (over Morgan) |
| 1990 |
2 |
First Round |
| 1991 |
1 |
Runner-up (to Morgan) |
| 1992 |
1 |
Semi-final |
| 1993 |
1 |
Runner-up (to K. Johnson) |
| 1994 |
1 |
Runner-up (to Geoffrion) |
| 1995 |
1 |
Semi-final |
| 1996 |
2 |
First Round |
| 1997 Spring |
1 |
Winner (over Geoffrion) |
| 1997 Fall |
8 |
Runner-up (to Yates) |
| 1998 Spring |
1 |
First Round |
| 1998 Fall |
1 |
Winner (over Yates) |
| 1999 Spring |
1 |
Winner (over Edwards) |
| 1999 Fall |
1 |
Winner (over Yates) |
| 2000 Spring |
2 |
Runner-up (to Gaines) |
| 2000 Fall |
3 |
Second Round |
