Justin Humphreys returning to Pontiac GXP with motor
assistance from veteran driver/builder Warren Johnson
Justin Humphreys will be back in his familiar, family-operated RaceRedi
Motorsports Pontiac GXP for the inaugural Carolina Nationals at the
spectacular new zMAX Dragway next week in Concord, N.C. -- with
assistance from another drag racing Johnson family.
Humphreys made the announcement Friday as he and his crew were installing
a General Motors power plant supplied by veteran driver/engine builder
Warren Johnson. Humphreys has been driving a Dodge from Don Schumacher
that was powered by Allen and Roy Johnson motors for the last 10 races.
"We definitely want to thank Roy and Allen Johnson and Don Schumacher
for allowing us to use their equipment and compete," Humphreys said.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and their crew chief,
Mark Ingersoll. They are all great people and we have a lot of respect
for them.
"We made the decision because we needed to get back to racing our
Pontiac GXP. We need to gather data at the remaining six races that we
can use next year. That was an important factor in our decision. We are
very excited to be working with Warren and Kurt Johnson. Hopefully this
decision will be beneficial for everyone. "
Humphreys, nominated for NHRA's 2007 Rookie of the Year honors, was
forced to park his Pontiac three months ago when his engine supplier
departed. He was contending for one of the 10 Countdown to 1 spots until
then and he remains 12th going into the Carolina Nationals.
Humphreys said Frank Gugliotta, his crew chief, will be with the team
next week.
"We have been working at the Johnson's shop (in Sugar Hill, Ga.),
getting the motor in the car and we are looking forward to making some
test runs somewhere before the race."
Kurt Johnson was the No. 2 Countdown to 1 qualifier while his father was
11th, 60 points ahead of Humphreys.
-credit: rrm
