The 12-year-old Balmacewen Intermediate pupil is the youngest co-driver in the history of the Otago Rally, and although she will not see much of the zig-zagging trip across Otago from Mr Johnson's Ford Capri V8, she said that was just fine.
All she needed to see was the map in her lap, she said.
''That's all I have to worry about - keeping Tony on the right track.''
This weekend is her first official rally competition, but Nikita said she was not nervous about her high-speed duties.
She was born into motor racing.
She is the youngest in a long line of family members who were competent rally drivers and co-drivers. Her mother was one, her aunt was one, so were her grandparents. And now it is her turn.
She knows what she is in for: she was Mr Johnston's co-driver in the Bethunes Gully Hill Climb and Fairlie 10km Rally Sprint.
She has been itching to get into her stepfather's rally car since - so much so, she took her mother's place in the car as co-driver for this weekend.
''It's going to be a lot of fun,'' she said.
''The best part is going sideways.
''It's not often you get to look out your side window and see what's coming down the road.
''I love V8s. I love the noise and the g-forces.''
The duo will be among about 50 cars competing in the International Classic category of the Rally Fest this weekend.
