NHRA
Memphis: Warren Johnson final report
WJ's Strong Showing Shakes Out in Memphis Semifinals GM Performance Parts Pontiac GXP Warren Johnson matched his best performance of the season on Sunday, powering to the semifinals of the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, TN.
Edited: Sep 29, 2008, 8:09 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
WJ's Strong Showing Shakes Out in Memphis Semifinals
GM Performance Parts Pontiac GXP Warren Johnson matched his best performance of the season on Sunday, powering to the semifinals of the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals in Memphis, TN. After qualifying third, Johnson was the beneficiary of a V. Gaines red-light in the opening round, and used a 6.661-second, 208.59 mph pass to earn lane choice heading into the second round against veteran racer and good friend Larry Morgan.
Once again, Johnson was up to the challenge, using his best run of the day at 6.641-seconds, 208.01 mph to outdistance his rival's 6.676-second, 206.16 mph effort. The final obstacle between WJ and the 151st final round of his career was Oklahoma runner Mike Edwards. Just as he had in the previous round, Johnson chose the right-hand side of the track, and rolled to the line determined to advance. However, almost immediately after launching, Johnson's mount suffered tire shake so severe that it forced the six-time champion to shut off early, allowing his opponent to drive on for the win. Even so, WJ was pleased by his team's continued progress over the last two races.
"We got a little off to the left in the first round, but thankfully V. (Gaines) red-lighted and allowed us to move on. In the second round, our GM Performance Parts GXP made a nice, solid run at 6.641, so we felt we were looking pretty good for the semis.
"We really didn't change much for the third round, but apparently the track went away, because it blew the tires off instantly. It never had a chance to make a run. We didn't do anything unusual, or make any major changes, but it still picked up over a thousand rpm's in driveshaft speed at half a second, which spelled doom. Simply put, we just never got a hold of the racetrack.
"Still, it was good to get back in the swing of things and a go a few rounds. The car was fine all weekend, we certainly have more than enough power, so it's all a matter of getting it hooked up to the track, which is pretty tricky to do when dealing with something made out of string and rubber. Even so, today was a step in the right direction -- all we have to do now is go two steps further."
-credit: j2r
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 Memphis: Dave Connolly final report
Next article Memphis: Final top-16 results
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
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
5 h
Max Verstappen slams “unacceptable” bumps at Austin F1 track: “It's out of control”
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
5 h
Kimi Antonelli ready to "finish the job" as first F1 title chance beckons at US GP
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
6 h
How to watch NASCAR at Talladega II: Weekend schedule, start time, entry list, TV
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
NASCAR O'Reilly
NOAP NASCAR O'Reilly
Talladega II
6 h
Peterson Racing addresses online abuse after parting ways with Austin Green
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