Although the POWERade Drag Racing Series will be idle this weekend, Hall of Fame racer Warren Johnson will still be at a racetrack, evaluating the competition and taking an active role in the on-track events. However, the six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion will not be behind the wheel of his familiar GM Performance Parts Pontiac GTO.  In fact, any runs he will make will be of an instructional or celebratory nature, as he will serve as the Grand Marshal of the inaugural GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout, which is being held in conjunction with the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) World Finals this weekend at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, TN. 

Despite the role reversal, The Professor is eagerly anticipating the specialty event, which will showcase the revolutionary block he helped design

 “Although I’m normally not a very good spectator, I am looking forward to attending this weekend’s GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout,” said Johnson.  “Not only will I be reunited with the GMPP team that I worked with in the development of the block, but it will also be my first real chance to see what kind of performance the LSX can deliver. 

“In addition, it will be good to meet the people who have bought the LSX, seeing what application they are using it in, and hearing their comments on their experience with it.  All in all, it promises to be a most interesting weekend.”

The GMPP LSX Shootout will feature three separate classes – LSX Showdown, 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.

However, the excitement will not be limited to the racetrack, as GM Performance Parts will also 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.

“The introduction of the LSX has been met with an enthusiastic response, and the Shootout should be a tremendous showcase for it,” said Johnson.  “Based off the numbers I have been hearing, I’m expecting to see some substantial performances at Memphis Motorsports Park this weekend.    It’s going to be an exciting weekend for myself, the competitors and the fans.  It promises to be a lot of fun, and I invite everyone who can make it to join us out at the track.”

To view a video containing WJ’s comments about the GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOFUPlqmZ8U