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 (39th).
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)
