Warren Johnson Snatches No.1 Qualifying Position At Bristol
May 17, 2008
NHRA
On the strength of a 6.674-second, 207.43 mph pass made on his third attempt, GM Performance Parts GXP racer Warren Johnson captured the No. 1 qualifying position for Sunday’s final eliminations of the O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, TN. It was Johnson’s second No. 1 qualifying performance of the season, second at Bristol Dragway and 138th of his Hall of Fame career, which is the most by any professional competitor in the POWERade Drag Racing Series.
Ironically, Johnson edged out his son Kurt for the No. 1 spot, marking the 36th time (and second time this season) the father and son duo have earned the top two positions.
“From top to bottom and front to back, it’s really a team effort, and whether I’m qualified No. 1 or Kurt is winning a race as he did two weeks ago, it’s just a great feeling. In either case, it’s really fulfilling to see all the work by our GM Performance Parts and ACDelco crews, as well as the guys back at the shop pay off.
“Looking at the conditions this morning, we predicted we could run a 6.68 out, and felt if we could get the early part of the racetrack figured out, it could even be quicker. It was actually one of our GM Performance Parts GXP’s better runs early on, although nowhere near the top of the page, but we made up a lot in the back half with that booming top speed. Even so, I’d have to say that ‘.67 was somewhat of a pleasant surprise.
“For the afternoon session, we were confident there wouldn’t be any major changes in the starting line-up, so we used it to try some different in our tune-up, putting some extra information in our arsenal. Even though it was the second quickest in the session, what really matters is that we learned something from it. As for tomorrow, we’ll have to see what Mother Nature gives us, and make the best of it. I’d say we have a fair chance of doing pretty well. It’s all a matter of execution.”
Fast Facts on WJ’s No. 1 qualifying effort:
1. This is Warren Johnson’s 138th No. 1 qualifying performance (the most in NHRA history), second of the 2008 season, and second at Bristol Dragway.
2. WJ’s most recent No. 1 qualifying performance came at this year’s ACDelco Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL.
3. WJ’s prior No. 1 qualifying performance in Bristol came in 2003.
4. This is the 36th time Warren and Kurt have qualified 1 & 2 in their career and second time they have done so this season, with Warren being the No. 1 qualifier 27 of the 36 times.
5. The most recent time WJ & KJ qualified 1 & 2 was at this year’s ACDelco Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL
