“We've been to the finals a few times here and it always seems to be Greg in the other lane,” said Johnson, who earned early round wins over Bob Panella, Jeg Coughlin and Erica Enders. “We always race hard and it seems like (the race) is always decided by a few thousandths (of a second). It just seems like he's always on the good end of that. But this is Vegas and your luck is bound to change and today it did.

“It just feels really good to finally win this race for my sponsor, ACDelco.”

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Chip Ellis was the automatic Pro Stock Motorcycle winner on his G-Squared/S&S Buell when Angelle Sampey fouled at the start on her U.S. Army Suzuki. In a rematch of the ’04 final here, it was Ellis’ second consecutive victory at this event and third of his career.

“I don't know what it is about this track,” said Ellis, who defeated Matt Guidera, Matt Smith and Tom Bradford to advance to the final. “I've raced a bunch of different bikes here in different series but I think every time I've come here no matter what I'm riding I’ve either won or was runner-up. This win is very special to me because I am dedicating this win to my four-year-old daughter (McKenzie) who is celebrating a birthday today.”

Defending series champ Andrew Hines lost in the first round and will bringa 47-point lead over his Screamin' Eagle Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teammate GT Tonglet into the final race.