IRONDALE, AL (10/16/07) - You would think that it would be hard to impress someone like Snap-on Tools Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Steve Johnson, who gets his thrills racing his 190-mph Suzuki on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series tour. But Johnson enjoyed the experience of a lifetime last week when the Indy Car Series invaded Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama for an Open Test on the 16-turn, 2.38-mile road course. The 2005 U.S. Nationals champion took a ride in the Indy Racing Experience two-seater around the track with Indianapolis 500 veteran, Davey Hamilton. "Dancing with the Stars has a whole new meaning to me," said Johnson enthusiastically, in reference to Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves appearance on the popular television show. "That was such a cool ride. Davey Hamilton knew I was a drag racer and smoked them out of the pits to start the ride the right way. When we got to the back side of Barber Motorsports Park we went through some turns that pulled over three G's to the left, then three more to the right. Going around the turns, your body is moving back and forth like a ball just before it gets picked for a lottery number. You know it's everything you can do to hold on, especially while trying to use my digital camera." College football is number one in Alabama, but when the multimillion dollar Barber Motorsports facility was built racing is on the rise. Many of the local fans showed up to see the stars of the Indy Series as they attacked this new track. "John (Lewis, VP of Marketing for IRL) and I knew Steve would be the perfect guy to ride in the two-seater," said Chad Head, VP of IRL operations. "He has made a name for himself in Alabama and understands the economics of what racing can do for a city. Besides that he's a great interview and can talk about how exciting these cars are." Johnson, who will be competing at the final two races of the NHRA season beginning in Las Vegas October 25-28, joked that he'd like to switch places with Hamilton the next time he rode. "The Indy Racing Experience is incredible," said Johnson, "I would love to drive one now or maybe next year when I go to one of these events." In addition to his ride around Barber Motorsports Park, Johnson also mingled with some of the top drivers on the Indy Car circuit, which added to the excitement of his memorable day at Barber Motorsports Park.
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