Denver: Steve Johnson Friday notes

Steve Johnson Is The Early Qualifying Leader At The Mile-High Nationals

MORRISON, CO 7/11/08 Steve Johnson of Irondale, Al sits atop the list of Pro Stock Motorcycle competitors after the first two of four scheduled qualifying sessions at the NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals in the Denver suburb of Morrison. Johnson rode his Snap-on Tools/WyoTech Technical Schools Suzuki to an impressive elapsed time of 7.367 seconds at an even 178 mph to take the Number 1 spot in the 16-motorcycle field.

"There's obviously a long way to go," said an ecstatic Johnson after his nearest competitor recorded an elapsed time of 7.400 seconds. "This is a very tough field of motorcycles up here 'on the mountain,' and there are two more qualifying attempts coming tomorrow (Saturday). Anything can happen, but we're certainly pleased about where we're sitting right now."

Johnson's crew chief, Mark Peiser, has done an exceptional job in the team's last two outings, combining a Number 3 qualifying position with a semifinal round finish at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Ohio two weeks ago.

"Okay, I'll admit I'm excited by how we performed today," Peiser said, "but the real tests come tomorrow and Sunday, during eliminations. That's when we really need to be on top of our game."

Johnson, who currently sits 10th in the NHRA POWERade points standings, could make a significant move upwards if things go his way on Sunday. "Man, let's not even talk about that stuff!" he said. "Let's just get through tomorrow, see if we can hang onto this Number 1 position, and then we'll go from there."

-credit: sjr