– Throughout his Hall of Fame career, drag racing legend Warren Johnson has served many roles.  Engineer. Racer. Pioneer. Teammate. Champion. Mentor.  However, this October, the man universally acclaimed as “The Professor of Pro Stock” will add yet another entry into his distinguished racing resume, as he serves as the Grand Marshal of this year’s inaugural GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout, which will be held on October 11-14 at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, TN.

Johnson, 64, is a six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion and the leader in all-time wins among the “factory hot rods” with 96.  In addition, he has played a key role in the design and development of modern Pro Stock technology, including all three generations of the legendary GM Drag Racing Competition Engine (DRCE).  Although still competing on a full-time basis in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac GTO, earlier this year he became only the seventh drag racer inducted into the prestigious International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, AL.  With a rare off weekend in his racing schedule, he looks forward to attending the Tennessee event named after the block he helped design.

Throughout his Hall of Fame career, drag racing legend Warren Johnson has served many roles.  Engineer. Racer. Pioneer. Teammate. Champion. Mentor.  However, this October, the man universally acclaimed as “The Professor of Pro Stock” will add yet another entry into his distinguished racing resume, as he serves as the Grand Marshal of this year’s inaugural GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout, which will be held on October 11-14 at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, TN.

Johnson, 64, is a six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion and the leader in all-time wins among the “factory hot rods” with 96.  In addition, he has played a key role in the design and development of modern Pro Stock technology, including all three generations of the legendary GM Drag Racing Competition Engine (DRCE).  Although still competing on a full-time basis in his GM Performance Parts Pontiac GTO, earlier this year he became only the seventh drag racer inducted into the prestigious International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, AL.  With a rare off weekend in his racing schedule, he looks forward to attending the Tennessee event named after the block he helped design.

“I am both honored and excited to be named the Grand Marshal for the very first GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout,” said Johnson.  “Helping with the design of the LSX block has been one of the most rewarding projects I have ever been involved with, and I’m extremely pleased to see the tremendous response it has generated in the automotive aftermarket since we introduced it at last year’s SEMA show.  

“This inaugural LSX Shootout promises to have it all.  Both on and off the track, it should be an exciting display of the very best the LS family has to offer, and I’m glad to be a part of it.  I’m looking forward 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 GM Performance Parts Power Shop as well as hand out trophies to the winners.

A specialty event held in conjunction with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) World Finals, the GMPP LSX Shootout is open to any GM vehicle powered by a Gen III or IV engine whether factory installed or swapped in afterward.  In order to open the competition to as many participants as possible, it will be divided into four separate classes – LSX Showdown, LSX True Street, LSX Naturally Aspirated and LSX Drag Radial.  In addition to prizes including cash, trophies and custom designed jackets the winners in each category will also receive an LSX block or LS7 crate engine, all courtesy of GM Performance Parts.

There will also be plenty of action off the track, as GM Performance Parts will hold the LSX Dyno Shootout, where the competitor recording the highest number on the at-track chassis dyno will be awarded a $1,000 prize.  Finally, the entertainment experience will be completed with a car show and manufacturer’s midway with other surprises to be announced as the event draws closer.

“The GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout is shaping up to be a tremendous event, and having Warren Johnson as our Grand Marshal only adds to the excitement,” said Charlie Harmon, President of ProMedia Events.  “WJ’s reputation speaks for itself in the hot rod community, and it is only appropriate that the man behind the design of this tremendous block be on hand for this inaugural event. 

“We are thrilled that The Professor was able to take time from his hectic racing schedule to take part in the festivities, and we look forward to having him there.  This promises to be one of the highlights of the NMCA season, and we invite everyone to come out and join us in October at Memphis Motorsports Park.   We promise you won’t be disappointed.”