W.J. helped build LSX engine number one for the GM Performance Parts '69 Camaro
Sugar Hill, Ga. - Throughout his Hall of Fame career,drag racing legend Warren Johnson has served many roles. Engineer.Racer. Pioneer. Teammate. Champion. Mentor. However, this October, theman universally acclaimed as "The Professor of Pro Stock" will add yetanother entry into his distinguished racing resume, as he serves as theGrand Marshal of this year's inaugural GM Performance Parts LSXShootout, which will be held on October 11-14 at Memphis MotorsportsPark in Memphis, TN.
Johnson, 64, is a six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion and the leader inall-time wins among the "factory hot rods" with 96. In addition, he hasplayed a key role in the design and development of modern Pro Stocktechnology, including all three generations of the legendary GM DragRacing Competition Engine (DRCE). Although still competing on afull-time basis in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac GTO, earlier thisyear he became only the seventh drag racer inducted into the prestigiousInternational Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, AL. With a rareoff weekend in his racing schedule, he looks forward to attending theTennessee event named after the block he helped design.
"I am both honored and excited to be named the Grand Marshal for thevery first GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout," said Johnson. "Helpingwith the design of the LSX block has been one of the most rewardingprojects I have ever been involved with, and I'm extremely pleased tosee the tremendous response it has generated in the automotiveaftermarket since we introduced it at last year's SEMA show.
"This inaugural LSX Shootout promises to have it all. Both on and offthe track, it should be an exciting display of the very best the LSfamily has to offer, and I'm glad to be a part of it. I'm lookingforward to seeing the great cars and meeting the people behind them.It's going to be a great weekend."
Johnson will make himself available for an autograph session at the GMPerformance Parts Power Shop as well as hand out trophies to thewinners.
A specialty event held in conjunction with the National Muscle CarAssociation (NMCA) World Finals, the GMPP LSX Shootout is open to any GMvehicle powered by a Gen III or IV engine whether factory installed orswapped in afterward. In order to open the competition to as manyparticipants as possible, it will be divided into four separate classes- LSX Showdown, LSX True Street, LSX Naturally Aspirated and LSX DragRadial. In addition to prizes including cash, trophies and customdesigned jackets the winners in each category will also receive an LSXblock or LS7 crate engine, all courtesy of GM Performance Parts.
There will also be plenty of action off the track, as GM PerformanceParts will hold the LSX Dyno Shootout, where the competitor recordingthe highest number on the at-track chassis dyno will be awarded a $1,000prize. Finally, the entertainment experience will be completed with acar show and manufacturer's midway with other surprises to be announcedas the event draws closer.
"The GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout is shaping up to be a tremendousevent, and having Warren Johnson as our Grand Marshal only adds to theexcitement," said Charlie Harmon, President of ProMedia Events. "WJ'sreputation speaks for itself in the hot rod community, and it is onlyappropriate that the man behind the design of this tremendous block beon hand for this inaugural event.
"We are thrilled that The Professor was able to take time from hishectic racing schedule to take part in the festivities, and we lookforward to having him there. This promises to be one of the highlightsof the NMCA season, and we invite everyone to come out and join us inOctober at Memphis Motorsports Park. We promise you won't bedisappointed."