Joliet: Steve Johnson final report

Johnson, Trying "Way Too Hard," Redlights in First Round In Chicago

JOLIET, IL 6/8/09 Steve Johnson of Irondale, Al, had high hopes for a strong finish in the NHRA Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 Nationals, but those hopes were dashed by an untimely -- and uncharacteristic -- redlight start in the first round of eliminations.

"I wanted to win so badly," he said later, "that anticipation got in the way of me doing my job. I just tried way too hard, and it cost us.

"This was a hugely frustrating result for any number of reasons. We were in a good position to make a major move in the points standings, and that's obviously out the window now.

" We also had a significant number of Snap-on Tools franchisees and their customers out here with us because we're so close to Snap-on's corporate headquarters in Kenosha. We wanted to put on a good show for them, and I'm disappointed that we didn't."

Johnson qualified ninth with an elapsed time of 7.113 seconds, but all that went for naught with the foul start.

"I hate saying it, but it's the only way: Just wait 'til next time!" Johnson said, which will be at the NHRA Supernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ June 20-22.

-credit: sjr