NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

In one of the most surprising developments of the year, Steve Johnson will start from the top of a Pro Stock Motorcycle field for the first time since the 2013 Englishtown race when he rode his Slick 50 Suzuki to a stunning 6.786 on Saturday afternoon at zMax Dragway. With the best performance of his long career, Johnson knocked fellow Suzuki rider Jerry Savoie from the top spot in the quick field. Equally as surprising, Johnson didn’t’ stick around for the final qualifying session because he left the track in order to attend a wedding in Maryland. Johnson plans to return to Charlotte late tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s final eliminations.

“Perception is an amazing thing,” said Johnson via text. “Some see hard work and dedication and others don’t. I think if you’re a hobbyist or a professional you can still be just as proud of your work ethic and accomplishments. Jock (Ervin Allen) and I are so proud of this moment. I can promise you we cherish this an NHRA No. 1 qualifier with all our heart and soul.”

Johnson’s performance aside, the quickest bike in Charlotte belongs to Jerry Savoie. The winner in Indy and Reading, Savoie rode his Tim Kulungian-tuned White Alligator Suzuki to a pair of 6.787 runs on Saturday, just missing the top spot by a thousandth of a second. Savoie was also the low qualifier after Friday’s qualifying rounds with a 6.801. Savoie has only competed in nine events this year, but he’s got two wins, a runner-up and a semifinal for his efforts. He will race rookie Jianna Salinas in round one.

Harley-Davidson teammates Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec were both quick and consistent on their FXDR bikes. Hines, the incoming points leader, is the No. 3 seed with a 6.814 while Krawiec is just four-thousandths slower with a 6.818. Hines is paired against Michal Ray while Krawiec’s reward for his strong qualifying effort will be a match against Matt Smith. The reigning Mello Yello series champion struggled with transmission and clutch issues on his Denso EBR and never made a full run to the finish line. Smith’s best performance of 6.932 at just 179.85 is in no way indicative of his potential.

Karen Stoffer, who won the most recent event in St. Louis to move to the No. 2 spot in the standings, also put together a solid qualifying performance with a 6.819 on her Big St. Charles/Skillman Auto Suzuki. Stoffer is paired with Kelly Clontz in round one and faces a potential quarterfinal match against the winner of the Matt Smith vs. Eddie Krawiec battle.