A Father's Wish

John Benson Sr., works in his race shop during the week and spends weekend watching his son Johnny drive in the Winston Cup Series.

Nobody questions a race car driver’s bravery. But the elder Benson admits watching his son race every week takes us much fortitude as strapping himself into a race car like he did for 28 years.  While many fathers unwrap ties from their families on fathers day, John Benson will have his eyes glued on Pocono where he hopes his son can give him a Father’s Day present he will never forget. 

On His Father’s Day Wish:  “My best Father’s Day present would be a win. But if he doesn’t win, just doing what he is doing is great because I would rather see him running in the top ten and top five than win one and run 20th every race. I don’t think a win has to come to make a successful season for Johnny, but it would be really nice. It coming on Father’s Day would make it even nicer.” 

What Does a Father Think Watching His Son Race?   “You have to be quite concerned for him because he is your kid. That’s utmost on your mind. But you also want to see him do well and do what he likes to do. You can’t take him out of what he likes to do and he wouldn’t listen to you anyhow if you tried to get him out of racing. It’s pretty scary to see him running 200 mph in a pack of 40 cars. It’s not only that he could make a mistake, but there are 40 other drivers out there that could as well and make a big wreck that would involve him.”  

Does Your Racing Involvement Make It Easier Or Worse Watching Johnny?  “It makes it worse. You know all the pitfalls that can happen on the race track. Of course I drove over 100 mph and have run at Michigan once, but I never ran the 200 mph like they run at Talladega or as fast as they will run at Pocono this weekend down the front stretch and into the first turn there. When you crash at those speeds its hard on the driver.”

What Do You Do During Races?  “I kind of ride along with him. You look at the guys he is coming up on and say ‘that’s a really good driver and I don’t have to worry about him or this one that’s third up there he is going to have a problem getting around him or he could get in trouble trying to pass him.” That’s always a concern when I watch races. So many things can happen.”