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Warren Johnson's New Car
WARREN JOHNSON CHANGES COLORS FOR '99 CAMPAIGN W.J. to Debut New 30th Anniversary Trans-Am at Winternationals POMONA, Calif. - Warren Johnson will take the wraps off his new 30th Anniversary Trans Am at the season-opening NHRA ...
Edited: May 8, 2001, 12:19 PM
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WARREN JOHNSON CHANGES COLORS FOR '99 CAMPAIGN
W.J. to Debut New 30th Anniversary Trans-Am at Winternationals POMONA, Calif. - Warren Johnson will take the wraps off his new 30th Anniversary Trans Am at the season-opening NHRA AutoZone Winternationals in Pomona, Calif., on February 4. W.J.'s white "Warbird" is a striking contrast to the black and silver Firebird that propelled him to nine victories and his fourth NHRA championship last season. Johnson will campaign the limited edition Trans Am for the first half of the 1999 season.
"The difference is as plain as black and white," Johnson quipped. "We want to help build excitement about the Trans Am's 30th birthday and create more fan interest in Pro Stock.
"I'm not superstitious about colors, but the last time I raced a white car was in 1993 when I won my second Pro Stock championship," Warren reported. "I hope that history repeats itself in 1999 with the 30th Anniversary Trans Am!"
Pontiac will produce the special edition 30th Anniversary Trans Am in the traditional blue and white colors worn by the original 1969 Trans Am. Total production will be limited to 1,600 units (1,065 coupes and 535 convertibles).
W.J.'s race car pays tribute to the 30th Anniversary Trans Am's color scheme with two blue-trimmed stripes on the hood, roof, and rear deck lid over bright Arctic White paint. Two small Firebirds flank the race car's snorkel hood scoop.
"A lot has changed in the last 30 years," Johnson reflected. "When the Trans Am debuted in 1969, I was a part-time racer with a '40 Chevy. Now three decades later I'm fortunate to be a four-time NHRA champion with a '99 Trans Am, the most aerodynamically sophisticated body in Pro Stock."
The original 1969 Trans Am was powered by a 400-cubic-inch engine that produced 345 horsepower (in Ram Air IV trim) and could sprint the quarter-mile in 14 seconds. Johnson's record-setting Pro Stock Pontiac is equipped with a 500-cubic-inch V8 that produces over 1,250 horsepower and runs a quarter-mile in 6.8 seconds at over 201 mph.
"Part of the appeal of Pro Stock is the similarity between the cars that compete on the race track and the cars that fans drive on the street," Johnson noted. "That's been a tradition since the class was created, and we're pleased to strengthen that connection with the 30th Anniversary Trans Am."
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