ReviewsThis book is a well-researched account of the life and career of a racing superstar who normally shuns the spotlight. It includes plenty of facts and figures, but for my money it's the treasure trove of amazing photos--some never seen before--that makes this book a welcome addition to my library., The author has obvious affection and respect for the subject matter and the narrative is stronglyengaging. The Johnsons claimed Pro Stock as their own in the modern era, and this appealing work will tell you how and why in detail., "A 'must' for the legions of Kurt Johnson fans, "Drag Racing's Warren "The Professor" Johnson: The Cars, People & Wins Behind His Pro Stock Success" is an inherently fascinating and informative read from cover to cover and will prove to be an immediate and enduringly welcome addition to personal, professional, community, college and university library Stock Car Racing collections.", The author has obvious affection and respect for the subject matter and the narrative is strongly engaging. The Johnsons claimed Pro Stock as their own in the modern era, and this appealing work will tell you how and why in detail., This is 175 pages of great writing, great story telling, and historical reference for anyone who loves drag racing. If you love WJ and his career you need this book. If you don't you need it twice as much., The book is packed with little gems...There's enough tech talk in the 178-page book to keep any gearhead happy, enough stats to make Bob Frey smile, and W.J. fans will certainly enjoy following the rise of the $1.39-an-hour welder to Pro Stock giant.
Dewey Decimal796.72092
Table Of ContentDedication Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: The Seeds of Speed Chapter 2: Family Matters Chapter 3: A New Class Chapter 4: From Match Racing to a Major Sponsor Chapter 5: Crossing the Threshold of Success Chapter 6: Magnificent Milestones Chapter 7: Domination in the 1990s Chapter 8: The Rivalries Chapter 9: The Professor''s Student Chapter 10: Research and Development Chapter 11: Comfortable with Controversy Chapter 12: Accolades and Adventure Chapter 13: Postgrad Appendix: Warren Johnson''s Lasting Legacy
SynopsisGo behind the scenes for a look at Warren Johnson's path to becoming The Professor of Pro Stock . This new book illuminates the life and career of one of the most prolific engine builders and racers ever to compete in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock category, drag racing's most technologically advanced class. Warren Johnson navigated the world of factory hot rods for more than 45 years, devoting himself to full-time racing in 1975 and relentlessly pursuing horsepower and victory from the driver's seat and the engine room. Johnson's devotion to research and development opened the door to a long-standing relationship with Oldsmobile and GM Performance, beginning with the birth of the Drag Racing Competition Engine (DRCE) that is still used by every competitive team in the class. He excelled when it came to outthinking the competition and was outspoken on matters that he deemed vital. Johnson embraced thinking outside the box and pushed boundaries to affect change in terms of both safety and the advancement of the class, but he also knew when it was appropriate and necessary to put on a good show for the fans. Through his tireless efforts and with the support of a small crew that included his wife, Arlene, and son, Kurt, Johnson claimed two IHRA championships and six NHRA world titles, along with an astounding 97 national event wins that placed him in the position of being the most-winning driver of all time in the Pro Stock category. This book, complete with photos from the family archive and striking professional images of Johnson's many race cars, dives into it all, beginning with W.J.'s childhood and early days of match racing when he developed the stern frugality and fierce resourcefulness that was the foundation of a tremendously successful, though sometimes controversial, career., Go behind the scenes for a look at Warren Johnson's path to becoming The Professor of Pro Stock . This new book illuminates the life and career of one of the most prolific engine builders and racers ever to compete in the ultra-competitive Pro Stock category, drag racing's most technologically advanced class. Warren Johnson navigated the world of factory hot rods for more than 45 years, devoting himself to full-time racing in 1975 and relentlessly pursuing horsepower and victory from the driver's seat and the engine room. Johnson's devotion to research and development opened the door to a long-standing relationship with Oldsmobile and GM Performance, beginning with the birth of the Drag Racing Competition Engine (DRCE) that is still used by every competitive team in the class. He excelled when it came to outthinking the competition and was outspoken on matters that he deemed vital. Johnson embraced thinking outside the box and pushed boundaries to affect change in terms of both safety and the advancement of the class, but he also knew when it was appropriate and necessary to put on a good show for the fans. Through his tireless efforts and with the support of a small crew that included his wife, Arlene, and son, Kurt, Johnson claimed two IHRA championships and six NHRA world titles, along with an astounding 97 national event wins that placed him in the position of being the most-winning driver of all time in the Pro Stock category. This book, complete with photos from the family archive and striking professional images of Johnson's many race cars, dives into it all, beginning with his childhood and early days of match racing when he developed the stern frugality and fierce resourcefulness that was the foundation of a tremendously successful, though sometimes controversial, career.