The other half of the Diane Johnson/Mike ‘Junior’ Johnson duo, Mike Johnson is next up. While he fell just a bit short in his quest to capture the 2008 Solo National Championship in A Street Prepared he did come to the front of the pack and won the 2008 Pro Solo A Street Prepared Championship driving the family 2002 Corvette ZO-6 on Hoosier tires. Hailing from Glen Allen, Virginia Mike is a member of the New York Region SCCA.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
MJ: No, I have attended for the past ten years.
RR: Is this your first National Championship?
MJ: Well I didn’t win a National Championship this year, but I did win my 4th Pro Solo Championship. In years past I have won F Stock in 2003 driving a Camaro Z-28 and A Street Prepared in both 2006 and 2007 driving my 2002 Corvette ZO-6.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
MJ: This year watching Ken Motonishi’s last run, the man was flynn’!!!
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
MJ: In the Pro, drying runs…
RR: Who has most influenced you?
MJ: Every student that I ever taught. You learn something with each one.
RR: Who inspires you?
MJ: John Ames, the ole’ man can drive…
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
MJ: Nope.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
MJ: Chase Cam, and MaxQData, and in my stock car a CG-Lock.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
MJ: Walk the course less.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
MJ: Evolution Performance Driving School.
RR: Describe your driving style.
MJ: Controlled aggression.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
MJ: My first autocross car was a 1984 Honda CRX 1.5, and my favorite is my 2002 Corvette Z0-6, the land missile.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
MJ: Race seats for stock class. I’m not a fan of the stock seats in the Corvette.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
MJ: All of my students.
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com and www.teamwtf.org
For copies of photos email david @ evorticity.com
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