VOLUME 59 ISSUE 20 MAY 17, 2022 P37
line, the two bikes were sepa-
rated by just 0.006 seconds.
"Steve's been out here a long
time and everybody knows what
he likes to do," Smith said. "He
likes to stage first and likes to
start last. He had the better bike
and I had nothing to lose, so I
made him start his bike first and
in, and I went with the intention
to stage first. I knew he loves
to stage first, so I rolled in and
double-bulbed him and it was
game on. He's got a fast hot rod,
and he's going to be tough to
beat all year long."
Smith, the reigning and five-
time class champ, was only
fourth-quickest in qualifying,
which was led by his wife, Angie
Smith. During final elimina-
tions, Smith's Denso Suzuki was
extremely consistent with runs of
6.87, 6.86, and 6.86 in his wins
against Chris Bostick, Jimmy
Underdahl, and Vance & Hines
Suzuki's Eddie Kraweic.
Johnson, who came into the
Virginia round leading the cham-
pionship following his back-to-
back wins in Houston and Char-
lotte, made just one qualifying
run, but it was quick enough for
the number-three spot. Johnson's
path to the final included victories
against Marc Ingwersen, Karen
Stoffer and Lance Bonham.
After four races this season,
Johnson holds a 50-point edge
over second-ranked Stoffer.
Smith is now in fourth place, 121
points behind Johnson.
The Pro Stock Motorcycle class
will make its next appearance in
Bristol, Tennessee, June 17-19.
In addition to the Pro Stock
Motorcycle class, the NHRA
Richmond event also featured
a special appearance by the
Top Fuel Motorcycles of Larry
"Spiderman" McBride and Dave
Vantine. McBride, who long
ago cemented his reputation as
the quickest and fastest drag
racer on two wheels, stunned the
crowd when he ran 268.38 mph,
bettering his own world record by
more than three mph.
Kevin McKenna
PRO STOCK FINAL
1. Matt Smith (Suz) 6.842/198.35 mph
2. Steve Johnson (Suz) 6.786/198.06 mph
Smith climbed into fourth place
in the championship.
