Robert Johnson Continues His Racing Career
By Rick Houston
After posting five wins in his rookie racing season, Robert Johnson will step up his schedule and run a full UARA schedule in addition to five Whelen All American Series late model events in 2010.
Johnson, the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson, ran the first race of his career in May 2009 at Caraway Speedway. He won. In a total of 13 starts, the younger Johnson posted five wins and 10 top-five finishes.
The famed Junior Johnson & Associates organization will continue its resurrection out of the JKS Motorsports shops in Lexington, N.C. Longtime NASCAR competitor Ed Berrier will oversee the day-to-day operations of the team, and serve as crew chief for the up-and-coming driver on race days.
The team will again be sponsored by Carolina Carports.
Currently a sophomore at Forsyth Country Day in Lewisville, N.C., Johnson will work to balance schoolwork with his growing racing career.
"Aside from looking forward to the high level of competition I'm sure I'll face, I think what I anticipate most is progress," the younger Johnson said. "If the team and I always take steps forward, then we are doing it right. "
I didn't take this lightly. I know that to combine school and racing is a challenge, but with the help of my family and my team, i know I can meet it. I've never accepted less than my best in my education and that's the way it will be in racing."
Junior Johnson, of course, is one of five members of the inaugural class of inductees into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. During his career as a driver, Junior won 50 races and the 1960 Daytona 500. After turning to a career as a car owner, Junior's teams won six championships -- three with Cale Yarborough and three more with Darrell Waltrip.
"The pride I feel as a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame comes from recognition of what I have done in my racing career," Junior said. "With Robert, the pride comes from simply being a father. I admire my son's initiative and ambition as he begins what I am sure will be a successful venture, especially one in racing, which has been my life. I am also proud to be a part of it and to share it with him."