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Written by Chris Moore
GUILDERLAND, NY – A Florida return.
Guilderland, N.Y.’s Marc Johnson is again “Florida Bound” for the ‘Sunshine Swing’ presented by Capitol Custom Trailers & Coaches.
The ‘Dark Knight’ returns to All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., with the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco on Tues.-Sat., Feb. 6-10.
Johnson competed full-time with the STSS North Region in ’23 for the first time, finishing the season third in the year-end standings.
Now Johnson kicks off 2024 in the state of Florida with eyes on improving in year No. 2, with the same 410 cubic inch small-block engine he brought to Florida in ‘23.
“I actually really enjoy racing there,” he proclaimed of All-Tech. “It races well, and you have to be up on the wheel which I like.
“I like the tire rule too, it makes it easier for crews and I think it makes the racing better,” he continued.
“The other thing about that place is Wendell (Durrance, All-Tech owner and promoter) is a nice guy and seems really appreciative to have us there.”
Johnson’s weekly racing doesn’t allow much time for him to get notes and comfort on American Racers, something Johnson is still working on heading into ’24.
“I’m learning a little bit every time we race, but they’re definitely still tricky for me,” he explained. “We only get 10-12 races or so on them a year, so I’m definitely still learning.”
Despite continuing to learn about the tires he races on, the Guilderland, N.Y., resident still says he’s headed south with a notion of winning.
“I don’t like to set expectations too high, but I would say our goals are high if that makes sense,” he said. “I wear a lot of hats on the race team; crew chief, caring for trailers, stuff like that, so I haven’t even put the driver hat on yet.
“That said though, I still want to go down there and win a race or two and maybe get that $1,500 (Wegner Automotive) championship.”
Johnson explained this off-season has been much less hectic, allowing him to head into the new season as prepared as he’s ever been.
“I’ve been able to spend a lot more time getting the cars together and making sure all our equipment is right,” he explained. “I feel as confident as prepared as I’ve ever been.
“S&S Asphalt Paving, Magnolia Hill Farms, Arrowhead Iron, Family Electric, and Boss Mechanical have all been essential in our offseason and are a big part of us being able to make this trip to Florida and I’m really looking forward to it.”
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco, visit www.shorttracksuperseries.com, e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, check out ‘Short Track Super Series’ on Facebook, @ShortTrack_SS on Twitter or @ShortTrackSS on Instagram.
