Statement concerning Pro Stock Bike racer Johnson's Gainesville disqualification

After an extensive investigation by NHRA tech officials regarding Pro Stock Bike participant Steve Johnson's disqualification at the Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals, NHRA's technical department has determined that the engine in Johnson's bike did not exceed the specifications for two-valve engines (maximum 1508cc, 92-cubic-inch displacement). As a result, Johnson will be awarded the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series championship points he would have earned at the event as a qualified first-round participant Those points include two points for qualifying 12th at the event and 20 additional points for first-round participation. Johnson currently has 32 points, which includes 10 points earned for participating in qualifying at the event Johnson is tied for loth in the standings with three other riders. Johnson also will receive 105 points toward the K&N Filters Pro Bike Klash, a special event held during the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals.

"After the event, NHRA officials had some questions regarding the engine measurements we had observed and recorded," said Cary Menard, NHRA vice president of technical administration and legal affairs. "In the interest of fairness to the team, [NHRA Division 2 Technical Director Jim Collins and 1] visited Steve's shop in Birmingham [Ala.] to conduct follow-up displacement measurements on the engine. The results of the investigation determined that the device used at the event to measure the engine displacement registered a false reading despite verifying calibration of the device at the event As such, the engine was legal at the time Johnson was participating and thus led NHRA to award the additional points. This was clearly an extraordinary occurrence. We continue to have the utmost confidence in our technical staff and equipment, and, moving forward, we are taking every step we can to eliminate this sort of situation in the future."

The decision by NHRA will not adversely affect points earned by John Smith, who was inserted into the bike lineup upon Johnson's disqualification.

Copyright National Hot Rod Association Apr 4, 2003
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