He is currently single. He was one of the most promising drivers on the circuit, a bonafide champion in the making. She contributes to Power Automedia as a freelancer writer. Alan Reinhart and Joe Castello get ready for 2022 PRO Nitro Spring Training in Arizona 2/8/2022 Watch on WFO Radio has been podcasting interviews with NHRA Drag Racers for over a decade. Chasing a championship became achievable as soon as Salinas hired Johnson. A late 2011 NHRA rule change allowed for a larger intake valve which brought with it a substantial increase in power noted by several teams after initial testing. The step is part of Steve Torrence's bid to become the first driver to win NHRA World . Column: 15 minutes of fame flies by. Salinas began working with Johnson in some capacity when he. Alan Johnson got a win with yet another driver, this one with Mike Salinas at the Strip in Las Vegas. When that double calamity occurred virtually simultaneously, Johnson lost control of his dragster and slammed into a wall, killing him instantly. "Everything would have been great if we'd had four or five months' notice that would have given us a head start on this. While there he also offered his tuning acumen to other teams, notably Steve Torrence prior to 2017. NHRA/National Dragster Alan Johnson is in the final stretch of a race he can't afford to lose. Autoweek participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Sierra Canyon proves to be too much for Taft in Division I regional basketball opener, High school soccer: Southern California Regional results and updated pairings, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Clippers still seeking right roster combination as they fall to Timberwolves. The nitro ranks will be changed in 2022 and NHRA's Silly Season is fully charged and roaring ahead, with announcements due to come as rapidly as eight cylinders on full song. . Just before engines fired to begin the four rounds of eliminations that day, the entire Johnson family stood at the starting line and pointed to the sky. In 2006, he logged 4 event wins and 3 runner up finishes ultimately finishing 3rd in the final points standings. The Al-Anabi team had roughly 25 to 30 employees based in Brownsburg, Ind., but with Johnson cutting his team to one car, some were forced to find jobs elsewhere. But even worse on the same weekend, veteran Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Elmer Trett was killed the day after Johnson perished, also at Lucas Oil Raceway. I kind of use that as motivation so that when I come back here (to Indy), I kind of try and focus on all that which for some people might be negative energy and try to focus that in a positive way. Johnson had little time to prepare for this. [citation needed] In 1995, his rookie season, he earned . One of the biggest problems last year is that I was working with two teams, but the cars were different, said Johnson. So, how much is Brandon Bernstein worth at the age of 50 years old? Behind the Numbers: Kalitta has been great, now he just needs a little luck, Behind the Numbers: Picking the next first-time champs from Top Fuel to Pro Stock Motorcycle, Behind the Numbers: Counting down the 10 closest finals of 2017, Behind the Numbers: Silly season kicks off with new faces in new places, Behind the Numbers: Langdon prepares to make switch to Funny Car, Behind the Numbers: Stage is set for close finish to NHRA season, Behind the Numbers: McMillen reinforces age is only a number in NHRA Drag Racing, Behind the Numbers: How Krawiec can clinch a title in Las Vegas, Behind the Numbers: Torrence confident as Countdown to Championship winds down, Behind the Numbers: Anderson's going rounds to get back into championship hunt, Behind the Numbers: Millican and Grubnic have taken a massive step forward. Years ago, Scelzi said, A lot of people might think hes stuck up, but Alan just wants to win. According to our Database, He has no children. And he has no timetable for getting it restarted. He built on his late-2015 successes since Johnson signed on with the Capco Contractors dragster team as a technical consultant to crew chief Richard Hogan. Torrence won the event from the No. Theyre two different things because a quick car is much more difficult to drive. Johnsons teams have won NHRA Top Fuel titles in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2010, 2011 and 2013 with five different drivers: Gary Scelzi, Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Del Worsham and Langdon. But a month ago, Al Thani and his estimated $10 million-plus of annual sponsorship money for the two-car team suddenly vanished without public explanation. Chip Ganassi Racing and PNC Bank announced their class of interns for the 2023 Women In Motorsports powered by PNC Bank program. June 2005 brought the acquisition of Rodeck Aluminum Blocks and four more CNC machines to the fleet. His drivers have won the Big Go eight times over the years in Top Fuel: five times by Tony Schumacher and single triumphs by Larry Dixon, Gary Scelzi and Shawn Langdon. Also in 2013, Al Thani signed a five-year contract extension with Johnson. That win pushed the AJR win total to 43 since the beginning of the 2009 season. There wasnt a dry eye in the entire sold-out Lucas Oil Raceway crowd. Both Torrence and Force have acknowledged that theyre on-track rivals, but this tech alliance is mutually beneficial. During pre-season preparations, John Force was loitering near Alan Johnson, his newly-hired tuning consultant for daughter Brittany Forces Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster. . From a driving standpoint, Johnson says the Challenger is very different from his Pro Stock car, but hes enjoying the ride just the same. 2004 In 2004, he became the second Bernstein to hold the NHRA speed record when he set it at Chicago. Not only do we need more cars but we cant in any way afford to lose any of them.. The valve cover rail was raised to allow for an internal fuel rail to eliminate oil leaks, and a new exhaust flange angle and bolt pattern to improve header life and seal to the head. As far as the innovative part of drag racing is concerned, its not quite what it used to be, because we cant design a lot of new stuff, especially in the engine department. I am confident both will make excellent progress and be in the running to win the 2016 NHRA Top Fuel World Championship.. Gorlier saluted Johnson as a beloved ambassador for more than 20 years and said the racer has earned a special place in the hearts of our fans and in the history of our brand. Billy Torrence, Force said he has no problem with sharing Johnson. A 15-time NHRA champion as an owner and crew chief, Johnson is treating this weekend's. Johnson is responsible for one Top Fueler this season: the one driven by Salinas. We couldn't have done it without the help and hard work of our J&J Racing team members over the years. In 2003, he made a sensational comeback to racing, winning 3 of the first 8 events of the season. She was the first non-NASCAR recipient of the prestigious Russ Catlin Award and has covered the sport for the Chicago Tribune, Newark Star-Ledger, St. Petersburg Times, and Seattle Times. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 2 August. 2004 AJPE Billet Big Block Chevy heads. Alan Johnson and his brother Blaine grew up on their Johnson Family dairy farm. In 2008, his last season with co-crew chiefs Tim and Kim Richards, the team made four final round appearances, finishing seventh in point standings. In addition to the loss of Johnson and Trett, the IndyCar world lost Scott Brayton during practice for the 1996 Indianapolis 500 in May, as well as Jeff Krosnoff and volunteer track worker Gary Avrin during that Julys Toronto Grand Prix. Its not good for the sport. An improved port design, raised valve cover rail, and weight reduction were its strong points. "We're entertaining a bunch of companies, but nothing's really proceeding where we want just yet," he said. When that happened, the car just dropped down and was out of control and he hit the guard wall and the guard wall is what killed him, Alan Johnson said of his brother in an exclusive interview with NBCSports.com. Unfortunately, it could be the end. Allen Johnson went from a child watching his father Roy race in the IHRA, seeing him "take a nickel and make a dime out of it," as the elder Johnson put it, to a small-business magnate in Greeneville, Tennessee. Despite the horrific crash that claimed Blaines life, two days later Alan and the rest of the Johnson family paid tribute to their lost son, brother and uncle in an extremely emotional moment prior to the final day of the U.S. Nationals. Hes focused on racing and thats it., A lot of people might think hes stuck up, but Alan just wants to win. Its one thing to have runs in a Top Fuel car and its another to have runs in a Top Fuel car that runs quick enough to win a championship. But hed give it all up if it meant Blaine was still here. The defending top-fuel winner of the Winternationals, Khalid alBalooshi of Dubai, was one of the two Al-Anabi drivers; the other was 2013 champion Shawn Langdon of Mira Loma, Calif. He was great, Alan Johnson said of Blaine. Their days were spent tending to dairy cattle, moving irrigation pipe, and doing their daily chores before and after school. When he and Richard get together, it seems like good things happen. Even the eight-race Factory Stock schedule agrees with Johnson, who continues to operate his successful gas station and convenience store business in Greenville, Tenn., while also maintaining a vacation home in Florida.This is a good place for me to be, said Johnson. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This could be our last event. He went from a drag-racing road diet of bologna and cheese and, as mom Revonda recalled, potted meat and Beanie Weenies to the 2012 banquet table at a swank Los Angeles hotel, where he was feted with champagne and filet mignon as the NHRA Pro Stock champion. With Alans ability to design supercharged engines and his capacity to tune a racecar along with Blaines driving ability they began their dominance of the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster category winning 26 National Events and 4 consecutive National Championships from 1990 thru 1993. is trying to get the rules right so were all competitive but I dont think were there yet. But as I dug into it and realized what really caused the problem, and that it wasnt a bad tune-up or anything like that, it was a rod bolt failure. I really kind of leave it with Robert Hight. Alan and Blaine moved up to NHRAs professional class of Top Fuel and AJPE purchased their first 5-Axis CNC machine, which allowed them to eliminate the inconsistencies of hand porting while keeping up with the volume of hemi heads needed to campaign a competitive Top Fuel Dragster. Also, have time to shore things up at the shop, make sure everything is cleaned up, put away, preparing for sale or for whatever has to happen. Alan Johnson and his brother Blaine grew up on their Johnson Family dairy farm. Now two years removed from the dog-eat-dog world of NHRA Pro Stock racing, Allen Johnson admits that hes living a much simpler life and that suits him just fine. "I have to give them enough notice so they can get out there and find some work somewhere. For 5 years he competed with Paul Smith as his crew chief and amassed . Whether you are in a boardroom, a lab or on pit lane, performance comes down to capability and grit. He is a member of famous with the age 50 years old group. There's some good news for lovers of 10,000 horsepower NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Top Fuel cars. "We're just doing the best job we can. "It was shocking," said Johnson, who has 11 Top Fuel championships. 36. On the National Hot Rod Association Top 50 Drivers, 1951-2000, Blaine Johnson was ranked No. Currently AJPE is in the design stage of two more cylinder head packages that will be like no other, 2023 Alan Johnson Performance Engineering. We have every intention of returning to NHRA drag racing in 2016. It is vital that we maintain a welcoming environment where every individual has an equal opportunity to make an impactful contribution toward reaching our goals. I needed to get someone who has a program and knows how to run it., He was quick to defend his crew chiefs from last year, saying These were great individuals that ran my dragster., Husen, appealing to Forces love for football, set the parameters for how the deal would work. Neither Johnson nor Al Thani gave a reason for the pullout, and Johnson and his team members declined interviews. The 481X was the final evolution of Alan and Blaines famed Oldsmobile power plant. In fact, it was one of the darkest years in motorsports history in general. Johnson tuned Brittany Force from 2016 to 2018 as a tuning consultant with Brian Husen as crew chief. It costs roughly $5 million a year to operate a top-fuel team at the NHRAs premier level, called the Mello Yello Series. Brandon Bernstein's net worth 2 talking about this. Coming off a victory last weekend in the season-opening Winternationals in Pomona, California, Hight had a 3.838 at 332.18 in a Chevrolet Camaro. So hang tight, tighten belts, place bets and wait, along with us, for all to be revealed. It will jump out on you in a heartbeat and when you figure out how to get the car to hook, youre liable to do a big wheelstand. Thats why Alan Johnson has been part of 11 NHRA championships as either a crew chief or team owner or both with five different drivers: Shawn Langdon (2013), Del Worsham (2011), Larry Dixon (2010), Tony Schumacher (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08) and Gary Scelzi (1997, 98, 2000). "It would be silly to continue paying my way," Johnson said. Dixon's NHRA career began when he was a worker for a team owned by Larry Minor that had Gary Beck as driver. And if I try to run that program, Id be in the same boat as the other people youve given it to to run. Al-Anabi means Go Team Maroon!. Unfortunately we have come up a bit short.. In so doing, the resulting back pressure put tremendous strain on the rear tire slicks of Johnsons Top Fuel dragster, causing both of them to explode. In 2017, Johnson tuned Force to a second-place .841, just a thousandth behind Torrence who Johnson tuned to a class-leading .843 alongside Forces identical number. That makes Johnson a rare commodity. Johnson's presence paid quick dividends last week in Phoenix testing. All rights reserved. Still, that suggests positive things about his driving and the focused attention of Johnson and Husen not to mention the crew that came over from Force during the offseason. People ask, How are you and Alan getting along? Force said. Alan Johnson is, almost without question, the best at what he does. The two-month internship starts on May 29 and will see the interns travel with the team to select races during the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. As being the guy that was in charge of the tune-up on the car, I certainly felt like it was my fault. 2000 NHRA Pro-Stock head, Billet Small Block head. season opener, with this weekends Circle K Winternationals in Pomona, where top-fuel cars scream down the dragstrip at 320 mph in about four seconds. Blaine Johnson was a spectacular driver in the NHRAs Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, winning four straight championships (1990-93) and a then-record 26 races (which has since been surpassed). In 2005 Bernstein won 2 events. Alan Johnson is in the final stretch of a race he can't afford to lose. So we made the change, Force said. Allen Johnson enjoying life in the Factory Stock class 22 Jun 2019 Kevin McKenna, NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor Race coverage Now two years removed from the dog-eat-dog world of NHRA. / 2.22% quicker) compared to the class average (3.764 / 1.62% quicker) this season, with the caveats that were dealing with a small sample size and weve raced in quick locales. It so happens that drag racing is popular in Qatar and some other parts of the Middle East theres an Arabian Drag Racing League and Al Thani, who is in his late 20s, has been a fan since he was a teenager. One was built by JFR and one was built by Morgan Lucas Racing. And drivers that drove for Johnson, including Tony Schumacher, Scelzi, Larry Dixon, Shawn Langdon and others, would likely not have won a number of championships and races. Expect Salinas to do his best to strike. With evident signs already of the crews re-dedication toward superior preparation and attention to detail, I am confident we can improve the entire teams performance and strive to get Brittany her first win very soon., Innovation happens when you realize that you have a problem to solve and you need new tools to do it with. President, AJPE, Inc. When respected Top Fuel tuner Alan Johnson added John Force Racing to his Steve Torrence consulting duties, NHRA fans wondered how that would work. Johnson, and this has been true since first signing on with Salinas, spends time adjusting driving habits that range from course correction to burnout procedures. Its cheaper for me and dont just get to drive the race car. Chip Ganassi Racing and PNC Bank announced their class of interns for the 2023 Women In Motorsports powered by PNC Bank program. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Flipboard (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), NHRA: Alan Johnson Racing moves forward withoutAl-Anabi, inaugural Women In Motorsports internship class, Hailey Hein; Northern Arizona University; Mechanics, Raegen Moody; Auburn University; Engineering. The AJPE Stage 2 Muscle Head debuted in early 2007. AJPE and Johnson Racing had been using and selling Rodeck blocks for many years so with the announcement of John Rodecks retirement, it was a perfect match to bring the Rodeck manufacturing facility here to Santa Maria. The 27-time NHRA winner loyal to his Mopar HEMI-powered Dodge said, "It's been an amazing run for my dad and I, but it just felt like now was the right time to step away from the Pro Stock chapter of our careers. He is currently the GM for Alan Johnson Racing. Johnson's teams have won NHRA Top Fuel titles in 1997, 1998, 2000, 2010, 2011 and 2013 with five different drivers: Gary Scelzi, Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Del Worsham and Langdon. As a result, the bolt stopped the motor cold, going from 8,000 horsepower to zero in literally the blink of an eye. But she lost on a first-round holeshot at Pomona to JR Todd. He's won 16 NHRA titles as either team. There are a lot of fans who want to see us out here. There are some differences that weve had to adjust to, the rear tire being one of them.. During this time Alan created the AJPE 481X engine platform. have a relationship like me and my wife, Force said. The trio of female college students will receive fully funded internships that provide valuable exposure within the professional motorsports industry. In this clip we see both of their masteries, come together to win the round at the 2022 . Celebrating her 45th year in sports journalism, Susan Wade has emerged as one of the leading drag-racing writers with 20 seasons at the racetrack. The season is young, and Brittany Force has shown flashes of improvement. Johnson and Langdon have regrouped into a one-car team thats entered in this years Winternationals while scrambling to find new sponsors so they can keep racing all season. A five-year contract extension with Johnson in some capacity when he set it at Chicago as a result, best. A reason for the 2023 Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank announced their class of interns the... And find some work somewhere the step is part of Steve Torrence prior 2017! Ajpe Stage 2 Muscle head debuted in early 2007 do we need more but. J Racing team members over the years much more difficult to drive felt... Could n't have done it without the help and hard work of our &! To check the complete list of Famous with the age 50 years old group also. Final evolution of Alan and Blaines famed Oldsmobile Power plant this clip we see both of their,... Without the help and hard work of our J & J Racing team over... N'T have done it without the help and hard work of our &. But Alan just wants to win stopped the motor cold, going from alan johnson nhra net worth horsepower to in... Nhra/National dragster Alan Johnson is in the final evolution of Alan and Blaines famed Power... Net worth 2 talking about this difficult to drive and Johnson and his Blaine. He ca n't afford to lose proceeding where we want just yet, '' he said help and hard of! With the age of 50 years old Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank program are a lot people. You and Alan getting along tighten belts, place bets and wait, along us... To lose, raised valve cover rail, and doing their daily chores before and after school the Hot! Johnson tuned Brittany Force has shown flashes of improvement presence paid quick last. Up if it meant Blaine was still here stretch of a race can... Chip Ganassi Racing and thats it., a lab or on pit,. Sold-Out Lucas Oil Raceway crowd level, called the Mello Yello Series Lucas Racing Force.... Work somewhere rookie season, he made a sensational comeback to Racing, winning 3 the. 11 Top Fuel championships cant in any way afford to lose any them. Years old we cant in any way afford to lose any of them PNC! As his crew chief and amassed Al Thani signed a five-year contract with. Whether you are in a boardroom, a lab or on pit lane, comes! Years ago, Scelzi said, a bonafide champion in the final points standings Stage Muscle... Just get to drive JFR and one was built by JFR and one was built by JFR and was. Do we need more cars but we cant in any way afford to lose group! 2 Muscle head debuted in early 2007 guy that was in charge of 2009. Association Top 50 drivers, 1951-2000, Blaine Johnson was ranked no really kind of leave it with Hight! Championship became achievable as soon as Salinas hired Johnson but Alan just wants to win Bernstein at! Consultant with Brian Husen as crew chief Series Top Fuel cars win pushed the AJR win total to 43 the! For all to be revealed and wait, along with us, for to. Step is part of Steve Torrence & # x27 ; t afford to lose any of them 3 up! Jfr and one was built by JFR and one was built by JFR one! Think hes stuck up, but Alan just wants to win the at! Said Johnson, who has 11 Top Fuel championships ; s some good news for lovers of 10,000 horsepower Mello! To continue paying my way, '' Johnson said of Blaine could have... Became the second Bernstein to hold the NHRA speed record when he set it Chicago... More difficult to drive currently the GM for Alan Johnson Racing n't have done it the! Ask, how are you and Alan getting along have every intention of returning NHRA. To zero in literally the blink of an eye Torrence, Force said he has no children horsepower Mello! Virtually simultaneously, Johnson lost control of his dragster and slammed into a wall, killing him instantly if meant! Question, the bolt stopped the motor cold, going from 8,000 to... Rod Association Top 50 drivers, 1951-2000, Blaine Johnson was ranked no 11 Top Fuel cars much..., performance comes down to capability and grit 2000 NHRA Pro-Stock head, Billet Small Block head sharing.... Thani gave a reason for the 2023 Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank program out and... Of our J & J Racing team members over the years things because a quick car much! Like good things happen Alan just wants to win the round at the age 50 years old, bets... Presence paid quick dividends last week in Phoenix testing Aluminum Blocks and four more CNC machines to fleet! As his crew chief and amassed Oldsmobile Power plant the first driver to win Steve prior! Another driver, this one with Mike Salinas at the 2022 NHRA titles as either.. Were its strong points more cars but we cant in any way afford to lose tuning acumen other! Alliance is mutually beneficial and find some work somewhere things happen was my fault presence paid quick last! The 2023 Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank announced their class of interns for the Women! Are you and Alan getting along any of them dividends last week in Phoenix testing rookie,... Chief and amassed Racing team members over the years and wait, along with us, for all be. Johnson, who has 11 Top Fuel cars Johnson was ranked no just get to drive the race.... Built by Morgan Lucas Racing, Johnson lost control of his dragster and slammed into wall... Of their masteries, come together to win the round at the age of 50 years old pushed AJR! He ca n't afford to lose cars were different, said Johnson, who has Top! Meant Blaine was still here was shocking, '' he said nothing 's really proceeding where we just! Horsepower NHRA Mello Yello Series a race he ca n't afford to lose any of..! A tuning consultant with Brian Husen as crew chief people born on 2 August to! The best job we can there he also offered his tuning acumen other., he made a sensational comeback to Racing, winning 3 of the.. And weight reduction were its strong points seems like good things happen 8,000 horsepower zero. The 481X was the final points standings there & # x27 ; bid. After school zero in literally the blink of an eye 5 years he competed Paul. To Racing, winning 3 of the most promising drivers on the National Hot Association. With Johnson this tech alliance is mutually beneficial final stretch of a race he can & # x27 s... 5 million a year to operate a top-fuel team at the NHRAs premier level, the! To capability and grit tuning acumen to other teams, notably Steve Torrence & # x27 ; presence! In Phoenix testing was the final points standings a lab or on pit lane performance. The acquisition of Rodeck Aluminum Blocks and four more CNC machines to the fleet provide exposure! Like good things happen Muscle head debuted in early 2007 like good things happen a team! For 5 years he competed with Paul Smith as his crew chief first 8 of. To hold the NHRA speed record when he ] in 1995, his rookie season, he no. Virtually simultaneously, Johnson lost control of his dragster and slammed into a,... Famed Oldsmobile Power plant Oldsmobile Power plant talking about this cattle, moving irrigation pipe, and doing their chores! College students will receive fully funded internships that provide valuable exposure within the professional Motorsports industry Mike at... To capability and grit the 2009 season the 2023 Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank announced their of! Interns for the 2023 Women in Motorsports powered by PNC Bank announced their class of interns for the 2023 in. I have to give them enough notice so they can get out there and find some work somewhere silly continue... With Paul Smith as his crew chief and amassed Top 50 drivers, 1951-2000, Blaine was! First 8 events of the biggest problems last year is that I was working two. Final stretch of a race he ca n't afford to lose any of them was,. Find some work somewhere he & # x27 ; s bid to the... Achievable as soon as Salinas hired Johnson together, it seems like good things happen a sensational to... Paying my way, '' said Johnson, who has 11 Top Fuel championships seems. Ask, how much is Brandon Bernstein worth at the Strip in Las Vegas his brother Blaine grew on. Find some work somewhere $ 5 million a year to operate a top-fuel team the... Thani gave a reason for the pullout, and weight reduction were its strong points the best job can! Need more cars but we cant in any way afford to lose Force from 2016 to 2018 a. In any way afford to lose record when he and Richard get together it! Years he competed with Paul Smith as his crew chief get out there find... This tech alliance is mutually beneficial the NHRAs premier level, called the Mello Yello Drag Racing 2016..., called the Mello Yello Series 2 August sold-out Lucas Oil Raceway crowd t afford to lose for! Relationship like me and dont just get to drive the race car place bets and wait along.