Johnny Omundson’s path from motorsports to propane autogas innovation

Johnny Omundson

President and Director of Engineering and Special Projects, AutoGas Services – AGS Inc.

Education

University of California, Riverside
Bachelor of Science in Electromechanical Engineering
Class of 1987

Industry Experience

August 2019-Present
AutoGas Services – AGS Inc.
⦁ President and Director of Engineering and Special Projects

May 2007-July 2009
CleanFUEL USA
⦁ LPI Systems Designer

March 2004-November 2009
“Overhaulin’”
⦁ Onscreen Personality/“A” Team Member

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Prior to 2004, Johnny Omundson – lovingly referred to as “Johnny O” – had nearly 30 years of experience in the professional motorsports industry. Due to his involvement in professional motorsports, he also had an extensive list of contacts in the television industry.

Fittingly, his combination of experience and networking led to a completely different, life-changing opportunity. He was asked to become involved with a television show known as “Overhaulin’,” a career change he fully embraced from 2004 to 2009.

A new partnership

In 2019, Omundson began another adventure – as an entrepreneur. Alongside Tom Chier, he co-founded AutoGas Services – AGS Inc. Over the last few years, the duo has been focused on each industry that utilizes liquid propane for autogas or industrial purposes.

While doing so, they have offered patented performance liquid injection propane fuel systems, along with aluminum tanks and 5-micron filtration options.

“They solve any fuel contamination issues that are present in the industry,” Omundson says.

Positively influencing students’ educations

When Omundson wasn’t busy designing engines for cars or working for “Overhaulin’,” he was often helping the education industry, too. In 2008, he was contracted by CleanFUEL USA to design LPI systems for Ford and General Motors engines, which would be used on school buses.

“From 2009 to 2019, [my colleagues and I] covered the complete United States mainland, servicing and updating every propane Blue Bird school bus fuel system in use.”

Entering the world of propane

While working for “Overhaulin’,” Omundson participated in his first-ever propane project and design challenge in 2007. The challenge? To create a completely customized 1,000-horsepower (hp) propane Chevelle entirely from scratch.

That same year (2007), Omundson met NASCAR engine builder Carl Wegner, along with his son, Casey. The duo, who owned Wegner Automotive Research, helped him produce the very first liquid petroleum injection (LPI) performance engine.

“We used a new GM-LSX-454 from GM Performance,” Omundson says. “It made 900 hp on the first pull.”

Patents, patents and more patents

On Jan. 1, 2025, AutoGas Services – AGS Inc. was awarded its first patent. Seven months later, on Aug. 24, it received its second patent, an unheard-of number for most organizations. Yet, Omundson is preparing to acquire three more patents in the near future.

“We intend to continue our development of LPI technologies with the upcoming release of LPI fuel systems for all internal combustion engine families, along with off-grid generation systems,” Omundson says.

Setting records

Make no mistake about it. Omundson and Chier’s “blood runs in racing.” Therefore, they decided to test their LPI system on racetracks, where they’ve established multiple standing mile and 2K land speed records in two different classes.

So far, their highest recorded speed is 193 mph, while using their company’s 2010 Richard Childress NASCAR.

“Our goal is to hit 200 mph and put the car into the NASCAR 200 mph club – as the first car in the 200-mph club that runs on propane and gasoline,” Omundson declares.

---

Other Propane Personality profiles

Propane Personality: Lucy Shaffer’s path back to the family propane business

Propane Personality: Amy Berg looks to power generation’s future

Propane Personality: Lisa Gerwitz