Warren Johnson spoke in obvious frustration, directing his comments towards the NHRA for what he felt was a lack of equality in track preparation amongst the professional divisions.

Johnson, following a first round loss at the recently completed NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways [Kent, Wa.], pointed out in not so many words, the NHRA cared only about the nitro cars when it came to preparing a safe racing surface.

However, Johnson’s supporting argument, pointing out the lack of talent required to drive a nitro-burner has some of the nitro community not only angry but determined to challenge the veteran Pro Stock racer to back up his statements.

Warren Johnson spoke in obvious frustration, directing his comments towards the NHRA for what he felt was a lack of equality in track preparation amongst the professional divisions.

Johnson, following a first round loss at the recently completed NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways [Kent, Wa.], pointed out in not so many words, the NHRA cared only about the nitro cars when it came to preparing a safe racing surface.

However, Johnson’s supporting argument, pointing out the lack of talent required to drive a nitro-burner has some of the nitro community not only angry but determined to challenge the veteran Pro Stock racer to back up his statements.

“Hell, Ray Charles could drive one of those things in his current state,” Johnson told ESPN pit reporter Gary Gerould.

Now a couple of those “Ray Charles” racers have offered up nitro cars to Johnson as a means of letting Johnson prove his point.

Jim Head, who has publicly responded to Johnson’s criticisms of the fuel classes in the past, says he will provide the car and even tune it if Johnson wants to do as he says, “A Ray Charles impersonation.”

“C’mon Warren, the car is here … anytime you’re ready – we’ll make this happen,” said Head. “This just frustrates me so much. I will tune the car and lucky for him, I can’t afford to burn the car up. So, he ought to be safe there – that’s his safety cushion, but if I had the money; I’d light him up pretty good so he could say what “Ray Charles” driving is all about.”

Head paused for a moment and added, “I’ll put the Ray Charles name over the window for him. I just don’t understand why he has to slam on us when we didn’t do anything to him. This time, he went too far. I’m sure everyone in the nitro pits will pitch in everything needed to make this happen from firesuit to nitro.”

Bob Tasca III, who has licensed in a Pro Stock car before headed to fuel racing, offers up his car as well but only if it becomes more of a complex challenge.

“I’m saying this, I will get in his car with my eyes closed, you can tape my eyes closed, and you can take my car and he can tape his eyes closed and see who makes it further,” Tasca said, voice raising with emotion.

And no, Tasca said, he’s not speaking just to be lashing out. He’s adamant with his challenge.

“If he wants to accept the challenge, we’ll get in each other’s car, and I’ve never driven a hunk of s*** GM in my life, but I’ll drive one and he can drive a Ford, eyes closed just to prove a point. I’m sick and tired of him talking s*** about the fuel car drivers. Consider this my challenge to a blindfold match.”

Head prefers his challenge be carried out with eyes wide-open.

“Hey this is just a friendly challenge from one senile old man to another,” Head concluded.