OUSCI 2014 Driver Highlight- Randy Johnson

[Trackside-Brandy]

Randy Johnson
Wisconsin
Member name: D+Z Customs
Member since: 2008


Randy Johnson, owner of D&Z Customs, got into pro-touring for the pure passion of the sport. Like many of us, Johnson loved taking older cars and making them handle like newer vehicles. Essentially this is how the pro-touring movement started.

It’s been a little over seventeen years now that Johnson has been involved in the industry, but it was back in 2007 when he and his wife Tobie took on a business of their own; restoring and modifying older vehicles.

Johnson is the owner of two second gen Camaros, a ’70 and ’73. Both cars have made their rounds on the pro-touring circuit, racing in several events across the country.

Johnson’s first Camaro, “re-peeled,” had great success during its run. It made the cover of Super Chevy and was featured in several other magazines.

Johnson decided it was time to build another Camaro; this time focusing on aerodynamics and further modifications to make the car handle better on the track. That’s when “Envious,” Johnson’s ’73 Camaro, came about.

The car has been out on the race circuit for about a year. It has been featured in magazines such as Camaro Performers, has traveled to shows such as PRI to be displayed in the optima batteries booth, and raced at several events including the USCA series, SCCA, Heidt’s Challenge, Midwest Musclecar Challenge, and Motorstate Challenge.

More importantly, this ’73 Camaro was invited to race at the optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge in 2013. Randy earned his way back into the 2014 Invitational through points. He ranked in the Top 20 Non-Qualifying Point Leaders and earned his Invite for a second year in a row.

Since Johnson has been to OUSCI before, we wanted to know if he had a particular routine right before the race. Johnson commented “I make sure all fluids have been changed, bleed brakes, and check tires.”


As a returning member we asked Johnson what he hoped to accomplish at this year’s Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. His goal was to finish in the Top 15. Compared to last year, there are more racers, faster cars and drivers with quite a bit of experience. To rank in the top half of the group would be a huge accomplishment, but Johnson’s goals are set. We will definitely be watching next weekend to see if Johnson has a chance at ranking in the top 15. Johnson knows his car and has had quite a bit of seat time himself this past year; so we don’t think he will have any problem.


Often times drivers set goals for themselves, such as Randy has done here. There is a lot of mental preparation that goes on before a race. We asked Johnson what is the most important reminder when going into a race such as OUSCI. Johnson stated “Be safe and have fun. If I can’t be fast, be spectacular!” Just as Dan Howe had stated in his feature, being spectacular and having fun is what it is all about at these pro-touring events.

Randy Johnson’s Vehicle Specifications:

Make: Chevy

Model: Camaro

Year: 1973

Engine: 441 LS7 Wegner Automotive

Engine Details: FAST Intake and fuel rails, RHS Heads, Wiseco Pistons, Callies Crank & Rods, CMP Custom Cam, Spectre Intake Tubing & Filter

Horsepower/ Torque: 580 HP at the tire, 487 trq at the tire

Transmission Brand: Tremic T56 Magnum

Clutch: Centerforce DYAD

Exhaust: Stainless Works Headers and Piping



Differential: Yakon Aluminum Third Member with 3.70 Gears

Brakes: Wilwood 6 Piston 14” Rotors front, 4 Piston 10.5 Rotors Rear

Wheel: Forgeline 18x10 Front and 19x12 Rear

Tires: Nitto NT05 295/35/18 Fronts, 335/30/19 Rear

Body & Paint: PPG Paint/ Body Work by D&Z Customs

Interior: Stock Appearing

Gauges: Autometer

Seats: Sparco

Harnesses / Roll Bar / Cage: Ride Tech Tiger Cage & Belts

Would you like to credit any builder, family or friends that helped with the car: Mark Klos

Any other modifications/ things you would like us to know: Custom built front spoiler, hood and rear wing. Also custom dual function lights in front bumper. All products of D&Z Customs LLC.

As Randy Johnson makes his way to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational Saturday morning, there will be a lot of eyes on him and his car. He is an influencer, a role model and someone who can help inspire others to join the sport. There are several spectators at each event; many with older vehilces just like ours. We asked Johnson for some last words to help encourage these spectators to become drivers and race beside us one day. Johnson expressed that “you shouldn’t be intimidated by the really fast guys at these events, they all started out somewhere. Plus they are always willing to give advice and a lending hand.”

We want to thank Randy Johnson for sharing his story and wish him the best of luck at OUSCI next weekend. We look forward to seeing the car out on the track once again. Make sure to check back with us tomorrow to see who’s next on our OUSCI Driver’s Feature.