Johnson, who hails from nearby Greeneville, Tenn., loves his yearly trip to Bristol Dragway for the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, set for May 16-18, for a several reasons.
"It's always a nice part of the year," said the Pro Stock driver who is currently fifth in the point standings, 101 behind leader Jason Line. "Being able to race in front of your family and friends - and to sleep in your own bed is always a big plus.
"And a win at Bristol would be special. It would mean a lot to family and friends and it would be great to get all the recognition from the local media folks."
On the other hand, the trip to Thunder Valley has proven frustrating on a number of occasions for Johnson. Despite running well at Bristol Dragway in the past he has never been able to stand on the stage on Sunday afternoon, Wally (traditional winner's trophy) in hand, celebrating a win.
"Bristol has always had a stranglehold on us," he said. "And it's some place I want to win at so badly. I think our best finish there since it became a national event (2001) has been the quarterfinals. It's been a little on the frustrating side. We'd sure like to turn that around next weekend and get that first win there. That would really be something."
Johnson also is looking forward to the NHRA Circle Track Challenge that will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday evening after the completion of action at Bristol Dragway that afternoon. Seventeen NHRA drivers will take part in a 25-lap event at the .533-mile oval, a surface on which Johnson says his skills continue to improve.
"I look forward to it," he said. "I think I've gotten better at it. Those last ten laps out there in the dirt (at the NHRA on Dirt event held on May 1 at Illinois' Tri-City Speedway) I got the hang of it pretty good. I was running right behind Gary Scelzi (the event winner) and keeping pace with him (Johnson finished fifth).
"It's definitely fun. These circle track events break the monotony and are something new. I think this deal here at Bristol will be extra fun. And I've really been getting political about it. I've been out looking for votes."
The starting lineup for the NHRA Circle Track challenge will be determined by fan voting. Fans can vote for their favorite driver at www.bristoldragway.com until May 15. With one week remaining for fans to cast their votes, Johnson is currently sitting on the outside pole, starting second to pole-sitter Jack Beckman.
The NHRA Circle Track Challenge starts at 7 p.m. and is part of a five-race card at BMS Saturday evening, which concludes with a fireworks show after the Thompson Metal 150 UARA feature race. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are $15 with children 12 and under admitted free with a ticketed adult. Anyone attending the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals on Saturday can show their ticket stub at the BMS gate and receive $5 off the ticket price.
Grandstand tickets also are available for the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. Grandstand ticket pricing is as follows: Friday -- Sections A - D $30 Adult / $10 Junior; Sections E - U $35 Adult / $15 Junior; Thunder Terrace $35 Adult / $15 Junior, Saturday -- Sections A - D $45 Adult / $15 Junior; Sections E - U $55 Adult / $25 Junior; Thunder Terrace $55 Adult / $25 Junior, Sunday -- Sections A - D $45 Adult / $15 Junior, Sections E - U $55 Adult / $25 Junior, Thunder Terrace $55 Adult / $25 Junior. Weekend combos are: Sections A - D $95 Adult / $30 Junior, Sections E - U $120 Adult / $50 Junior, and Thunder Terrace $120 Adult / $50 Junior.
Pricing for the Thunder Valley Club is $300 for the weekend for adults and $100 per child. Seating in Bruton's Suite is $450 per seat for the weekend.
Gates open at 8 a.m. Friday, May 16 at the Dragway with the first professional session slated to begin at 4 p.m. The second round begins later that evening at 6:30. Gates open Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 a.m. with the first round of pro qualifying set for 12:30 p.m., followed by the next round at 3 p.m.
Gates open Sunday, May 18 at 9 a.m. with final eliminations starting at noon.
To purchase Thunder Valley Club seating, call the Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office at (423) 989-6900. To purchase Bruton's Suite seats, please call Kathy Artrip 989-6973. To purchase reserved grandstand seats, please call the ticket office at 989-6900 or visit www.bristoltix.com