NHRA
GM Extends Warren Johnson Sponsorship
"Professor of Pro Stock" to Represent GM Goodwrench Service Plus in Multi-Year Agreement GRAND BLANC, Mich. - One of the most successful partnerships in motorsports will continue into the next century with GM Service Parts Operations' announcement ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
"Professor of Pro Stock" to Represent GM Goodwrench Service Plus in Multi-Year Agreement
GRAND BLANC, Mich. - One of the most successful partnerships in motorsports will continue into the next century with GM Service Parts Operations' announcement today of a three-year sponsorship agreement with Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson. Johnson's record-setting Pontiac will represent the GM Goodwrench Service Plus brand in the most technically sophisticated category in NHRA drag racing through 2002. "Warren Johnson's knowledge, experience, and technical ability reflect the qualities that have made GM Goodwrench Service Plus the gold standard in automotive service," said Bill Fitzgerald, manager of event marketing for GM Service Parts Operations. "Warren's determination and his commitment to excellence are qualities that we want to associate with GM Goodwrench Service Plus. The enduring association between Warren Johnson Enterprises and General Motors exemplifies the teamwork that is essential for success in both motorsports and business." Pontiac has also extended its sponsorship agreement with Johnson, who has set speed and elapsed time records with his aerodynamic Firebirds. "Warren Johnson is one of the most recognizable personalities in drag racing, and fans know they can count on him to be a contender at every event," said Fred Simmonds, Pontiac motorsports marketing manager. "Warren's championship-winning Firebirds embody the driving excitement that is an integral part of Pontiac's brand character." Johnson clinched his fifth career NHRA Pro Stock championship and scored his 79th career victory at the O'Reilly Fall Nationals in Dallas on Sunday. He has the most wins among active Pro Stock racers. Johnson has won at least one national event for 18 straight years and has qualified for every race since 1987 - the longest active streaks in NHRA competition. "The continuation of our sponsorship agreements with GM Service Parts Operations and Pontiac will give our team the stability and resources that are absolutely crucial for success in such a competitive arena," said Johnson. "Our racing program is focused on long-term research and development to maintain and enhance our competitive advantage. GM Service Parts Operations has a keen understanding that consistency and commitment lay the foundation for future success. "I'm proud to represent the thousands of highly trained GM Goodwrench Service Plus technicians who maintain and service vehicles in General Motors dealerships," Johnson continued. "I rely on many of the same factory-engineered components that these men and women install in customers' vehicles. I depend on ACDelco RAPIDFIRE Spark Plugs, ACDelco Oil Filters, and ACDelco Batteries to keep my race car running strong - and I count on GM Performance Parts to deliver the horsepower I need to win races and championships." GM Service Parts Operations became the primary sponsor of Johnson's racing team in 1986 when his black and silver Oldsmobile Firenza first carried the GM Goodwrench Performance Parts logo. In 1988 W.J. unveiled a new Oldsmobile in the red, white, and blue colors of ACDelco - and four years later, W.J. and ACDelco captured their first Pro Stock crown. GM Performance Parts returned as Johnson's major sponsor in his 1993 and 1995 championship seasons. Warren debuted his new GM Goodwrench Service Plus colors in 1997, and won back-to-back Pro Stock titles in 1998 and 1999. ACDelco and GM Performance Parts have continued their affiliation with the "Professor" as associate sponsors. Just as Warren Johnson sets the gold standard in performance, GM Goodwrench Service Plus sets the gold standard in automotive service. GM Goodwrench Service raised the standard for the entire service industry by offering high-quality service, GM-trained technicians, and genuine GM parts. The "Plus" in the program gives customers even more value: competitive pricing, courtesy transportation, a limited lifetime service guarantee, and convenient service hours. Total customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus program. GM Service Parts Operations' role in Johnson's success was acknowledged when GM Performance Parts was voted "Pro Stock Sponsor of the Year" on the Car Craft All-Star Drag Racing Team in 1995, 1996, and 1998. GM Performance Parts was also a finalist in the "Sportsman Sponsor" category in 1999. "Drag racing fans have recognized that GM Service Parts Operations and GM Performance Parts have made a significant impact in the sport through its support of our racing programs," Warren observed. "We couldn't be successful without them!"
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Dallas Pontiac Racing Eliminations Review
Next article Testing Session Invigorates Team Valspar
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Warren Johnson
Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees
IMSA Others
IMSA Others
Ricky Carmichael, Tommy Kendall, and Mark Martin among Hall of Fame Inductees
Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma
NHRA
NHRA
Sonoma
Andrew Hines wins bike battle at Sonoma
DeJoria, Enders-Stevens in prime position to make NHRA history in Atlanta
NHRA
NHRA
DeJoria, Enders-Stevens in prime position to make NHRA history in Atlanta
Latest news
Gibbs, Spire and Gabehart argue over contempt and injunction
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
1 h
Gibbs, Spire and Gabehart argue over contempt and injunction
William Byron to run Jeff Gordon throwback Axalta scheme at Phoenix
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
2 h
William Byron to run Jeff Gordon throwback Axalta scheme at Phoenix
Alexander Rossi takes over IR-28 testing as IndyCar pushes new chassis to the limit at Sebring
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 2 h
Alexander Rossi takes over IR-28 testing as IndyCar pushes new chassis to the limit at Sebring
Daniel Suarez will return to Spire Motorsports for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Charlotte II
2 h
Daniel Suarez will return to Spire Motorsports for 2027 NASCAR Cup season
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe