Bo Butner, the 2017 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock champion, has retired from the ranks of Pro Stock twice so far. And it hasn’t taken. The age-old truism that there’s no cure for motorsports sure applies to Butner, who is returning to the class he loves most to try for a second door-slammer championship.
Although Butner drove his entire Pro Stock career from 2015 until last year’s season finale, earning 11 wins and that 2017 title, with KB Racing and Ken and Judy Black, this coming year he intends to put his faith in Elite Motorsports. “You know, there’s just nothing like driving a Pro Stock car. I can’t stay away,” Butner admitted.
“I’m very grateful that our career started with the KB Racing team. It was just an awesome experience. Coming back to Pro Stock next year,” he said, “we really wanted to be able to just come to the race, get in a competitive car and drive.
“Not having our own truck and trailer for Pro Stock would allow us to race other categories as much as wanted and it would also free up a lot of time when it comes to preparation,” Butner continued. ”It’s great that we found a good fit with Elite Motorsports for this next season, and we can’t wait to get to it.”
The Chevrolet Camaro Butner will campaign in the full 2022 Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class has sponsorship from Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. Butner and JHG’s owner Jason Johnson formed a friendship last season, starting at the Dodge//SRT U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, IN. It’s fitting they announced their partnership at the same track a year later.
At that race, Butner was competing in both Pro Stock and Super Comp; this weekend at Indy, Butner is campaigning the Lee Sharp-owned Comp Eliminator. Butner was introduced to Johnson and the duo discovered they had a lot in common, starting with their love of drag racing and fast cars, both on and off the drag strip.
Butner, of course, is the CEO of Jim Butner Auto Group, the used vehicle business his father began in 1955. In that capacity, he frequents auctions to keep inventory up to snuff. Johnson has a lifelong appreciation for all automotive conveyances, a love that started with his father, Willis Johnson, who founded Copart Salvage Auto Auctions. That firm has dabbled in NHRA racing over the years.
Jason Johnson’s love of automobiles has grown over the years, as he set up auctions for his family business. He now owns Middle Tennessee-based Johnson’s Horsepowerred Garage, where more than 100 show-quality vehicles, from classic hot rods to exotics have found their current homes.
“I’ve always been a car guy – just like Bo – and I love drag racing,” Johnson admitted. He recently expanded his museum-level collection to include Butner’s 2017 championship winning Camaro. “We had the opportunity to work with Bo, Jason Line and Dave Connolly earlier this year, when we sponsored their class-racers event, the Southern Sportsman Showdown. To be involved like that was something (wife) Nikki and I really enjoyed. We’re excited to be part of Pro Stock in 2022, especially with Bo as the driver.”
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