Johnson Takes Care Of Business
At Final NHRA Houston Event
S
lick 50 Suzuki's Steve
Johnson has been racing in
the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle
class for nearly 40 years, but
he's never been a threat to win a
championship, until now.
Johnson flexed his muscles
with a dominating win at the
NHRA Spring Nationals, April
22-24, the final event to be held
at historic Houston Raceway
Park in Baytown, Texas. Johnson
clearly had the best bike in the
field for most of the event and
managed to claim the 10th win of
his career when he beat reigning
World Champ Matt Smith in the
final round.
Johnson powered to a 6.72
elapsed time in the final, easily
covering Smith's 6.81. After an
early loss at the season-opener
in Gainesville last month, John-
son is clearly one of the favorites
to contend for the title.
"I love this sport," Johnson
said. "I tell people, if I had 10 mil-
lion dollars, I'd still be doing the
same thing. Find what you love
and chase it. Do not stop, and
beat Matt Smith, no matter what
bike he brings."
Johnson is one of several rid-
ers who has reaped the benefits
of the new rules that allow Su-
zuki engines to use four-valve en-
gine technology. He won three
events in 2021 but has taken
his performance to an entirely
IN
THE
WIND
P54
Steve Johnson threw
his hat in the ring
when it comes to
this year's NHRA
Championship after
winning in Houston.
PHOTOS: MATT POLITO
