Warren Johnson

Almost an hour to go before Nitro qualifying begins at Bristol.

Jeff Birchfield of the Johnson City Press and I were treated to a tour of Six-Time NHRA Pro Stock Champion Warren Johnson's car and trailer. Johnson, who turns 64 tomorrow, was recently inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame joining the likes of Wally Parks, Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Don Prudhomme and Joe Amato in the HOF.

Known as 'The Professor' of Pro Stock, Warren has inspired many advances in technology when it comes to Pro Stock racing. He has suggested and developed many changes to the appearance and feel of the car. He was the first driver to use video as a way to monitor different aspects of his model. He has been a long advocate of the safety of NHRA drivers.

"I did it to save my own ass," Johnson joked with us.

The winner of 96 national-event victories, second all time to John Force's 122, Johnson drove into the top five in the POWERade point standings through the first seven races. Lately, however, he hasn't had much luck over the last few events. Johnson is optimistic the new track surface at Bristol Dragway will help his team this weekend.

There will be more on the legendary racer in Sunday's Elizabethton Star.