The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will crown South Georgia Motorsports Park as their newest national event racing facility with the running of the NHRA Southern Nationals, May 1-3. Steve Johnson will be there aboard his Suzuki as he continues his historic 40th season of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition.
Johnson’s striking red and white Suzuki Hayabusa struggled in Charlotte, after parts failure during the third qualifying attempt led to an early first round exit on Sunday.
“We were prepared, we just used the wrong equipment. We had two parts fail at the same time that had never failed in the past,” explained Johnson. “Now, with these back-to-back races, it’s on to bigger and better things at the Southern Nationals.”
Johnson earned his first career No.1 qualifying honor at the Southern Nationals in 1995, when the event was held near Atlanta. The veteran Suzuki pilot enters this 3rd race of the 14-event NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule positioned 8th in the Mission Foods points standings.
During his 40 years on the NHRA tour, Johnson has witnessed the excitement and magic surrounding new facilities and inaugural races. As the NHRA continues to celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2026, South Georgia Motorsports Park will become the headquarters for the world’s fastest sport for three spectacular days of drag racing.
“I’m excited at seeing the NHRA branching out into a new area and demographic. And I’m thrilled at the economic impact that it will create for the city of Valdosta, Adel and the surrounding areas,” Johnson stated enthusiastically. “I’m equally thrilled for the fans in the area who have never had the opportunity to witness an NHRA national event in person.”
The quality of the all-concrete racing surface at SGMP has the potential to support national record performances, should the weather conditions cooperate. Johnson’s 40 years of experience at reading and learning the characteristics of different racing surfaces could provide him a measure of an advantage.
This story was originally published on April 30, 2026. 
