WyoTech Success Story - Jeffrey Imhoff - Steve Johnson Racing

Jeffrey Imhoff - Steve Johnson Racing

Graduated in 2007 in the Motorcycle Technology Core Program

Jeffrey Imhoff graduated from the WyoTech Daytona campus, March 1st 2007, and completed advanced specialized training on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Jeffrey enjoys hunting, fishing, riding ATV’s, and camping among other things. Jeffrey’s hometown is Reedsburg, Wisconsin; and at the age of 23, he’s already beginning to make his mark in the world. For Jeffrey, working with Steve Johnson Racing is a dream that came true.

We managed to catch up with Jeffrey and ask a few questions to find out what living in his world is like now.

Q. Jeffrey, what interests you about this field of work?

A. I’ve always liked racing, but working on a motorcycle that goes 0 to 60mph in 1 second and almost 200mph in a six second 1/4 mile is amazing! I like the fast-paced environment.

Q. What is a typical day like for you?

A. I’m involved with the entire operation; from driving the T-2000 tractor and its 53 foot triple axle trailer to and from the races, to set up and tear down of the entire operation at the races. At the A/C Delco Gator Nationals we were up at 7a.m., ate breakfast, and then we were off to the track. I help get the bike out, put the awnings up, and get the pits ready for the day. The next step is engine warm up and general set up.

I ’m still getting my feet wet and watching the process of the crew chief and the other 2 techs. But when we do an engine swap and I pull out a new $45,000 engine and get it ready—it’s pretty cool. Planning is also important because of the time frame between rounds, so I get a lot of things ready to help save time. At the end, I am always moving fast.

Q. Looking at your career, what do you like best about it?

A. I love that I knew what I wanted and went after it. Many dream, and I did too, but I wanted it bad enough that I knew I had to make it happen. And now it is. I’m on a real NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle team chasing the POWERade championship, making money, and watching the bike go down the track... what a blast.

Q. How would you define your greatest accomplishment in life to date?

A. It is really 2 accomplishments, because I couldn’t have one with out the other. First, I would have to say going to WyoTech and getting my diploma. Second, would be making a living while working on a great racing team.

Q. For those considering a career in the industry, what advice would you give?

A. It’s so technical, looking from the outside it’s like how do I get in. The teams want to see you really want to do it. When you invest in yourself with a WyoTech education the teams are "all in." Just make sure you learn as much as you can, and never give up. You have to have a dream and go for it. Who knows where you’ll end up? The sky is the limit when you have a plan and go through with it.

Q. Is there any more training for you down the line with respect to your present career?

A. ” Right now I have the four best teachers in racing: Steve Johnson (Team Owner & Driver), Mark Peiser (Crew Chief), Tim Kulungian (Chief Mechanic & General Manager), and Richie Wiley (Mechanic). I would like to attend an engine class to learn some more about the motorcycles we run and also take a welding class.”

Q. What’s it like to work with a legend?

A. I love it. Steve has opened his racing facility and team up to me. Then he threw me the keys to drive in his $400,000 tractor trailer to the races. He is very easy to work with and has answers for most of my questions. Then there is his playing around and sense of humor, as well as being understanding. It seems he always has time to sit down and talk. You could ask any racers at the track about Steve and I’m sure they’ll start to laugh and tell you a story about him. One things for sure, he really loves what he is doing.

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