JOHNSON WOULD LIKE A LITTLE OF DIXON'S CHAMPIONSHIP MAGIC

This season has been one of frustration for Steve Johnson.

The veteran Pro Stock Motorcycle racer came to the U.S. Nationals 12th in the season points.

On Johnson’s first qualifying pass Friday, he had engine problems, and could not even get off the starting line.

“We came here (to Indy) and tested (last Wednesday) and we thought we left Brainerd with a really fast package,” Johnson said. “Every time I come here (to Indy) and test I wreck all my stuff. I wrecked all my parts. Then, the conditions are all different (Saturday) and I’m just not a smart guy yet. I’m blaming it on (Larry) Dixon. It is all Dixon’s fault. He is the one who said turn the carburetor upside down and put the tire on backwards and all that kind of stuff. Hopefully we will figure it out and we just need runs. I’m all about getting it fixed.”

Speaking of Dixon, Johnson said he is one of many people trying to help the three-time Top Fuel world champion get his Top Fuel team up and running for 2013.

“I’m trying to help Larry with his deal and then I can just hone in on his sponsor,” Johnson said. “If I can help him get a sponsor I can get them to throw us a $1.50 and then we can run my motorcycle.”

Johnson, whose career-best finish was third in Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1995, knows landing  sponsorship is not easy.

“When you try to get a sponsor to go Mellow Yellow drag racing you need lots of money and lots of resources,” Johnson said. “Larry is a smart guy, but he knows he can’t do it all himself. He has been involved with all kinds of teams and he has seen all kinds of stuff and he just wants to get resources. I’m just one of many resources. He has a team of people. It is exciting to go represent the sport with the kings of the sport. To go into an office and listen to a company’s philosophy and then give them a pitch based on data we have researched and connections. If you have a good relationship and a solid plan about how to make them money drag racing over here in the Mellow Yellow series, it’s exciting.”

Alan Johnson Racing and Dixon agreed to a mutual separation on Dec. 12, 2011. Alan Johnson Racing manages the two-car Top Fuel operation of the Al-Anabi Racing Team. Dixon won the 2010 Top Fuel world title for Al-Anabi.

“I have been helping him (Larry) since December,” Johnson said. “There is tons of progress and all kinds of meetings. There is nothing to report on. It is just a process of going and knocking on doors. The more hooks you can throw in the ocean the better off you are.”

Johnson said he is the godfather to Dixon’s youngest son Darien.

All articles and photography published in CompetitionPlus.com are protected by United States of America and International copyright laws unless mentioned otherwise. The content on this website is intended for the private use of the reader and may not be published or reposted in any form without the prior written consent of CompetitionPlus.com.

< Prev		Next >