Steve Johnson enters the 2026 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals looking to build on the momentum gained from a strong qualifying effort and a semifinal finish in Bristol two weeks ago. The 12-time NHRA national event winner continues his historic 40th anniversary tour aboard his Suzuki, June 25-28, at Ohio’s spectacular Summit Motorsports Park.
As the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class enters the seventh race and the halfway point of their 14-event Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule, Johnson is tied for 9th in the season-long championship points battle. The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, the penultimate race before the Countdown to the Championship begins and the prelude to the U.S Nationals, will be a crucial step for securing a spot in the Top 10 going into the Countdown.
“We go to every race with an effort to make more power,” said Johnson from his Alabama-based shop. “I know we’ve made a strong effort to make more power for Norwalk, and the goal for all our hard work is to put up a big number. I feel lucky to be able to watch other big-name teams, in any category and sanctioning body, with lots of resources struggle because I learn so much from other people,” Johnson added. “I feel if you’re not the quickest in your category, your ‘work fever’ needs to be a little different, and we need to find something new.”
Johnson’s 52nd career semifinal finish in Bristol earned the Suzuki racer a spot in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge during Saturday’s qualifying at Norwalk. It’s the second time this season the independent racer has earned the special opportunity to gain valuable points and win crucial cash. The race on Saturday doesn’t change the way Johnson approaches qualifying with his Suzuki.
“I’ve never been one to have much of a strategy, other than just to work hard to prepare, assemble the best team possible, cut good lights and ride as perfect as I can,” explained Johnson. “Having said that, I’m going to start considering using a strategy because it’s bit me in the past when I’ve been in a specific scenario and I didn’t have one.”
The lanky veteran has been successful racing at Norwalk in the past, qualifying No.1 and earning a runner-up finish in a final round appearance in 2021, and qualifying No.1 again in 2023. As Johnson enters his historic, class leading 526th career NHRA national event in Norwalk, he’ll be to seeking to add to his 337 career round wins total.
“I’ve always said that there are special race tracks with special ownership on the NHRA tour and Norwalk is definitely one of them,” offered Johnson. “Winning at Norwalk and enjoying some traditional ice cream in the winner’s circle would be a career highlight.”
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