Tire Testing at Richmond
Many drivers are scheduled to test May 4-5. The grandstands will be open to the public every day May 4-5.

May 4: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #25-Brian Vickers, #0-Ward Burton and #38-Elliott Sadler; NASCAR Busch Series drivers Johnny Benson, Paul Menard, David Stremme, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, J.J. Yeley and Bobby Hamilton, Jr.

May 5: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers #38-Elliott Sadler, #0-Ward Burton, #4-Jimmy Spencer, #42-Jamie McMurray, #2-Rusty Wallace, #97-Kurt Busch, #77-Brendan Gaughan and #32-Ricky Craven; Testing their NASCAR Busch Series cars will be David Stremme, Justin Labonte, Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, Jay Sauter, J.J. Yeley and Johnny Benson.   (RIR PR:  04-23-04)

JB Fan Race Reporter
Many Johnny Benson fans do not have the opportunity to see Johnny race in person and would like to hear from JB fans on what it is like to attend a NASCAR race.  So, the JBFC is looking for more fan involvement.  We are looking for fans to be race reporters. Berlin and Indy are taken, so there are more races available. Race reports do not have to be detailed - just share your experience.  Your story is what counts.  Please contact the JBFC if interested. 
(04-27-04)
 

A Trip to Nashville
I can't believe it's been two weeks since I was in Nashville.  (I would have done my report sooner, but the JBFC newsletter had to be done first!)   It was my turn to be the pit reporter.  Sometimes the action is so exciting on the track and in the pits that I forgot to write down my notes!  Hope you enjoy the story .....  Barb Benson

This was my first trip to the Nashville Superspeedway.  The city of Nashville is not new to me at all.  I have seen many ASA and All American 400 races at State Fairgrounds.  Not only was it one of Johnny's strongest tracks, there is always a lot do in downtown Nashville.

The new facility is top rate.  The only complaint I have is the parking police would not give us access to parking near the tunnel nor would they let us sit in the grandstands to watch practice on the ARCA race day.  It was my fault that we were late since I thought the schedule I printed was Central time versus Eastern time.  (Sometimes as a fan, it's hard to find the correct times!) 

     Joe Martino checks air pressure

By the time I got into the garage area, the BGN cars were well into their practice session.  The #1 team struggled during the first half, but found the right combination for their mock qualifying run.  Then it was time for qualifying.  A few of my favorite drivers stopped by so I could take their pictures! 
Complete Story      (04-23-04)

Happy Birthday Dad! 
Where is John Benson Sr.
going to spend his birthday?
 Spotting for JB on the backstretch
at Talladega Superspeedway!  (04-24-04)

A Fan's Perspective - Martinsville
Klaus and Paulette Price made the trip from their home in Jacksonville, FL to Martinsville, VA.  They were nice enough to share their thoughts about their trip.  Even though JB wasn't at this race, his fans still want insight from other fans and their travels to NASCAR tracks .....  Thanks, Klaus and Paulette

Our first time at a Martinsville race and we were impressed. Of course we love short track racing.  We had seats some thirty rows high and could see the whole track. Lots of action. The place was packed and it appeared there were a large number of folks who had standing room only arrangements.

They let us take in our backpack and also allowed coolers. They were very fan friendly. Prices were decent for food and drinks. Like two bucks for drinks and sandwiches. We had some of those "red" hot dogs we heard so much about. (They really are red!)

The racing was great even though passing wasn't real easy. Mr. Harvick got a little ugly with the reigning cup champion and took a little trip to the wood shed. Hope he isn't a slow learner.

Didn't see any other JB fans. One young man wanted to know where we got our JB t-shirts, so guess he counts. This is the first Na$car race we have been to that Johnny wasn't in, so it lacked something there.

Rusty's win seemed very popular. We had no problem with that.  We will probably go back, but only if JB does too.      (04-19-04)

Bristol Photo:   (04-18-04)

This picture was sent in by Steve, Tami, Michael, Krista  and Andrew Herweyer of Michigan.  Steve was fortunate enough to get garage passes at Bristol and see Johnny get his big check.  It was an awesome experience

Nashville Pictures   (04-15-04)

Johnny being interviewed by Jeff Hammond after taking that quick qualifying lap!  Photo By:  Barb Benson	James Finch sitting on the #1 Dodge pit box prior to the Pepsi 300 in Nashville Photo By:  Barb Benson
The start of the Pepsi 300 - Johnny and Bobby Hamilton start in the front row Photo By:  CIA Photography	Johnny talking to Andy Ponstein - (fellow Michigan driver) prior to Happy Hour practice Photo By:  Barb Benson

   
A Fan's Perspective - Texas
Robert Tye from Oklahoma City made the trip to Texas and volunteer to share his experiences with JB fans ...  Thank you, Robert!  We truly appreciate the report and photos!     (04-07-04)

                             

What a great day for Johnny on Saturday!!!  I was so excited to be at the track for Johnny’s best finish of the season … so far!!!  The team has seemed to really come together over the past few weeks and I know that a win is in the near future for Team Yellow!!!

On to the races … I was not able to make it down to Texas until Friday morning, so I missed Busch qualifying.  I understand that Johnny had a problem with a valve on the cooling system that was spraying water under the car making it very difficult to control.  Basically, Johnny was hydroplaning around the track and had to take a provisional starting spot (39^th).

I arrived Friday morning around 9:30 AM for Busch “Happy Hour” and watched as Johnny practiced for Saturday.  Johnny’s only complaint, that I heard, was that the car was a little tight coming off the corners.  Johnny was running very consistent laps just under 30 seconds on both new and old tires in Happy Hour.     Complete Story    (04-07-04)

JB Fan to Compete in Triathlon
Gretchen and Eric Tucker of Maryland have been long supporters of Johnny Benson and the JBFC.  Now here is a chance for JB fans to help her succeed in the 2004 Columbia Triathlon that will be held in Ellicott City, Maryland on May 23, 2004. 

Gretchen's efforts in this triathlon will raise money towards finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma and other blood related cancers.  This is in memory of  Jennie Tucker, my mother-in-law, who died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in July 1996. 

For complete information that explains the missions, goals, and strategies of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as well as the TNT program along with a sponsorship form - Click Here.  Contribution deadline is  May 1, 2004.
(04-06-04)

Welcome - John Joyce! 
Johnny is one of the NASCAR drivers who has a strong fan base throughout the United States and Canada.  During his Winston Cup years he has gained and retained fans from the employees of the sponsors who have been on the side of his car - Lipton Tea, Pennzoil, Cheerios and Valvoline ....  Now with the addition of Yellow Transportation, the JBFC looks forward to Yellow employees joining in on the fun.  The first employee (that we know of) is John Joyce of New York.  Welcome, John and thank you for signing up!  (04-06-04)

Congratulations - Dennis Trimble! 
Another JBFC Annual Contest comes to a close with JB's 4th place finish at Texas.  (Yeah!)  Congratulations to Dennis Trimble of Pennsylvania who correctly predicted that Johnny would finish 4th.  Look for the big brown truck to deliver your prize - 1:24 Valvoline Action Diecast car.  (04-06-04)