Veteran Pro Stock Motorcycle competitor Steve Johnson heads into this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals with the same desire that has burned inside him since he first began competing on two wheels down the quarter mile almost four decades ago.
Johnson, in his 38th season, is still chasing that elusive first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championship. The Suzuki rider finished 6th in the points standings last year, notching his 12th career national event victory along with a runner-up finish, while qualifying at all 15 events.
The ultra-competitive Alabama resident is eager to return to beautiful zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, where he’s enjoyed plenty of success. Johnson qualified his Suzuki No. 1 on his way to earning the Pro Stock Motorcycle ‘Wally’ with a victory in 2021 and reached the winner’s circle again in 2022 from the No. 2 qualifying spot with a dominating performance during eliminations. At last year’s Four-Wide Nationals Johnson qualified in the No. 3 position, advancing to the semifinals.
“All of the success we’ve enjoyed just makes us proud to be here. We love Charlotte because it has NHRA Drag Racing, NASCAR, World of Outlaws and there is always a lot going on and we have plenty of friends.”
It’s been six weeks since Johnson rode his Suzuki to the No. 4 qualifying position and a quarterfinal finish at the season opening Gatornationals, but he’s remained busy at his Irondale, Alabama race shop. “It feels like we just had another off season,” joked Johnson. “There has been a lot of drama created and some real interest in our class right now.”
They’ll be an extra incentive for Johnson and his team on Saturday at zMAX Dragway. The Suzuki pilot will be taking part in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty race within a race. The event pits the semifinalists from the previous race battling against each other during qualifying for cash and valuable championship points. “It gives everybody a chance to race for some extra money and I know our team will love that aspect.”
The Mission Foods Pro Stock Motorcycle class will compete in a pair of qualifying sessions on both Friday and Saturday to set the 16-bike field for Sunday’s dramatic four-wide eliminations. For ticket information visit NHRA.com.
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