Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1466689
Steve Johnson Goes Back-to-Back With Houston, Charlotte Wins F or the second time in as many weeks Slick 50 Suzuki's Steve Johnson earned a win in the Camping World NHRA Drag Racing series, and now he's a clear favorite to win the Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship. The Circle K Four Wide Nationals features a unique format featuring four bikes at a time. The top two fin- ishers advance in the early rounds until the final, where a winner and a runner-up are determined. Johnson won the final with a 6.740 elapsed time, easily defeat- ing Karen Stoffer, Eddie Krawiec and Joey Gladstone. Stoffer was second quickest with a 6.824, while Krawiec ran a 6.859 and Gladstone was fourth with a 6.909 elapsed time. "It takes a lot of inner strength to do this," Johnson said. "Out here, you're going to get kicked in the teeth. I've seen it over and over again. You still get up and go to work. I've been out here 30-something years, and I have a ton of gratitude for that. I sleep at my shop and every penny goes into my program. Winning races and winning a championship is why I'm here." Johnson was quick throughout the event, but in qualifying, Angelle Sampey was the class of the field with a 6.712, the quickest run of her long career. Sampey's shot at the title ended in the second round when she was late off the starting line. Johnson who has long been bitter rivals with Sampey, couldn't resist a chance to take shot at the three-time world champ. "What happened to Glitter Girl?" Johnson said. "Did she break? Her bike was a rocket ship, but she wasn't in the final." IN THE WIND P48 Steve Johnson came away with the win at the Four-Wide NHRA round in Charlotte. PHOTOS: MATT POLITO