Steve Johnson gives WyoTech Students Tour of His Racing Facility

BIRMINGHAM, AL: Steve Johnson, who is currently No. 8 in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship on his Snap-on Tools Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle, recently held a special gathering for WyoTech students and their families at his race shop in Alabama .

WyoTech (the official technical school of NHRA ) representative Craig Fiddler directed approximately 50 students, friends and family members to Steve Johnson Racing's facility, with participants coming from regions in Alabama , Georgia , Mississippi and Tennessee . "When new students enroll at WyoTech we like to create an opportunity from them to meet and get to know each other," said Johnson. "Doing it in this kind of racing environment is the kind of level and standard we want all students to get a taste of."

When the students arrived they were all given an extensive tour of Johnson's facility. Then each student was given the chance to hop aboard a 160 horsepower Hayabusa motorcycle and make test runs on the team's Dynojet chassis dyno. The WyoTech group then toured the team transporter and we're given a thorough explanation on how each department operates and how the Snap-on Tools team is preparing for the next NHRA race in Chicago (June 7-10). They also watched racing footage of Johnson's historic win at the U.S. Nationals among many other behind the scene sights. Lunch for the group was catered by Moe's Southwest Grille complete with a dessert of a special goodie bag full of souvenirs. The event also featured a live radio remote on Jim Moore's Shop Talk radio show on 101.1 FM.

To complete the racing experience, the students competed against each other using their best reaction times on a special set up using dual chrome motorcycle handle bars rigged to a Christmas Tree that Johnson has built in his shop. The winner received a Steve Johnson Snap-on Tools Suzuki die-cast.

"I have learned about these tours and hospitality from some of my NASCAR buddies," said Johnson. "Our goal for these guys and girls is to build up some enthusiasm for what lies ahead for them as they get ready to walk thru the door of top level technical education. Opening our gates today also provides a level of motivation showing that with education and perseverance anything is possible."

The WyoTech event was featured on television during the broadcast of the Saturday night sports segment on the local CBS affiliate.