He will be the headline attraction in the highly competitive Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car Series.

Johnson Jr has raced in Australia previously, however that was in Top Fuel, piloting the Santo Rapisarda-owned Rapisarda Autosport International car. This will be a change from what Johnson is used to racing, with the Graeme Cowin-inspired ‘retro’ nitro series gaining acclaim around Australia.

With 11 NHRA wins to his credit – two being in Top Fuel, Johnson Jr is best known for his Funny Car exploits – where he has won eight NHRA events and this year stepped back into a full-time Mello Yello Funny Car ride under the Don Schumacher Racing banner in the Make-A-Wish Mopar/Dodge.

He heads into the NHRA ‘Countdown’ playoffs – which start this weekend – fifth on points.

After beating out NHRA Funny Car legend, Ron Capps in last year’s corresponding Night of Fire event, Sydney local, Rick Gauci has his eyes squarely on repeating the dose to the American this time around:

“Last year racing Ron was one of the highlights of my racing career and now to have the opportunity to race Tommy, it just keeps getting better and better,” said Gauci.

“Now I have got Tommy in my sights, car is getting quicker and quicker every time that we race it, I have the quickest and fastest Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Car pass when we get to Sydney.”