Two-time Indy winner, Steve Johnson, rolls into the drag racing’s prestigious Labor Day weekend extravaganza, the 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, seeking to earn a third Indy crown and solidify his spot in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Countdown to the Championship. This year he’ll be enjoying the support of World Tek Industries when he arrives to compete at historic Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Johnson will be looking to guide his Suzuki to his 25th career Top 10 points finish as he continues to celebrate his 40th anniversary of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition.
“The magic of Indy seems like it has many hats and one of them is the pressure of winning,” revealed Johnson. “I will just focus. Thanking the fans becomes electric. Back stage at the driver intro on Monday is just so special, with everyone talking about who can win.”
The Alabama-based racer made his debut at Indianapolis in 1987 and is the only Pro Stock Motorcycle rider at this year’s race to have competed in the classes Indy debut. He went on to win the iconic race in 2005 and 2008.
“I feel super proud to have been at that first race,” recalled Johnson. “I remember the entire class being parked in a small area in the grass by the street. No one had big trailers back then, some even had cargo vans. It was a much different time, that’s for sure.”
The 2026 U.S. Nationals will be Johnson’s class-leading 527th career NHRA national event, placing him 12th all-time among Professional drag racers. He has a 25-35 career round won/loss record at the event. A win on Monday would make him the 20th three-peat Indy winner and the first to do it on a motorcycle.
“That sure sounds fun.” said Johnson. “Talking with the team each morning, I’m going to focus on the process of consistency. When we all do our jobs perfectly, we have a great chance at going rounds.”
With the seasoned veteran sitting just one point out of the NHRA Mission Foods Top 10 point standings entering Indy, every run down the quarter-mile will be crucial. Things could also take a dramatic turn during eliminations with points and a half available during racing on Monday.
“Being in the Top 10 is for sure important at this stage,” said Johnson. “It’s the last chance during the regular season to do what we can to get as close to the top teams as possible.”
“We will be cautiously confident,” added the 12-time national event winner. “Real confidence comes from preparation. When you prepare as much as possible, then and only then is when I fill out the notarized luck request, but I’m not giving any directions to that address.”
The post It All Comes Down to the Points for Steve Johnson at Indy first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
