Johnny Benson       JBFC     John Benson Sr's
Click on the links above

     The Johnny Benson Fan Club was developed in 1993 by Johnny's sister, Barb Benson.  This fan club is privately owned and operated by Johnny Benson Enterprises. 
     In 1993, Johnny was competing in the American Speed Association Series and was a strong contender for the championship.  At that time, Barb was responsible for sending race reports to the #21 sponsors.   At the urging of Chris Bradley (Johnny's crew chief), Barb developed the JBFC to communicate to Johnny Benson Fans.  At the end of the 1993 season, we had 200 fans! 
     As you can imagine, when Johnny moved up to the BGN and Winston Cup ranks the fan club grew by leaps and bounds over the years. 
     In order to keep up with technology and instant and ever changing communication to the fans, the JBFC website was created in 1998.  Message   Boards are now the norm. 
     Hope you join us for the 2007 season.  For an application to the 2007 Johnny Benson Fan Club - click here. 

Other Stories of Interest:
She's the Fan Club President

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Johnny Benson was born on June 27, 1963 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to his parents, John and Judy Benson. His racing career began in 1982 on the dirt tracks in Michigan and is currently competing in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.  Johnny resides in Cornelius, North Carolina with his wife Debbie and children Katelyn and Mikayla.  Johnny credits his success to the support of his family.
 

Johnny's Racing History:

CUP Statistics
Johnny competed in 274 races in the Nextel / Winston Cup Series over a period of 11 years.
     Wins:  1              Laps:  75,966
     Top 5:  18           Led:   520 laps
     Top 10:  58         Earnings:  $17,022,482 
     Pole:  2              Average Start:  23.2          Average Finish:  21.0

BUSCH Statistics
Johnny competed in 91 races in the Busch Series over a period of 10 years.  He competed in the Busch series for two full seasons.  He was the Rookie of the Year in 1994 and the BUSCH Champion in 1995. 
     Wins:  3              Laps:  16,086
     Top 5:  19           Led:   590 laps
     Top 10:  35         Earnings:  $1,276,243 
     Pole:  1              Average Start:  19.0         Average Finish:  17.5

TRUCK Statistics
Johnny competed in 100 races in the Craftsman Truck Series over a period of 7 years.
     Wins:  9              Laps:  15,531 
     Top 5:  39           Led:   809 laps
     Top 10:  63         Earnings:  $2,086,598 
     Pole:  2              Average Start:  12.1         Average Finish:  11.1

You can find Johnny statistics along with other drivers at
 www.racing-reference.info/

2008

(Photo Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images for NASCAR)

2008 Team Page

2007
Just as the 2007 season was starting with the testing in Daytona, Johnny's  crew chief made the decision to move on to another team.  The good news is that Trip Bruce joined the #23 Bill Davis Racing team and did not miss a step as he stepped into the crew chief role.  As time wore on throughout the season, Johnny and Trip showed everyone that they would be a contender for the wins.

The first win of 2007 came at Milwaukee when Johnny crossed the finish line as a repeat winner.  He went on to claim victories at Bristol, Gateway and the last race of the season on Miami. 

Milwaukee June 22, 2007	Bristol August 22, 2007
Gateway September 1, 2007	Miami November 16, 2007

Johnny also competed in the Nextel Cup Series for 3 races.  He qualified and drove for #46 Wyler Racing at Richmond in May and for Bill Davis Racing #36 in the Phoenix and Miami races.  

2006: 

At the beginning of the year, Johnny and crew chief, Rick Ren set their sights on the Craftsman Truck Championship.  The #23 Bill Davis Racing team worked hard to give Johnny the equipment he needed. 

Johnny's first Craftsman Truck Series win came at his home track - Michigan International Speedway during the Father's Day weekend in June.  This win gave Johnny and his team the momentum to go on and win four additional races. 

The championship came down between Johnny and Todd Bodine at the last race in Miami.  Bodine's consistency paid off and Johnny had to settle for 2nd in the series standings. 

Another high point of the season was setting a new track record at Phoenix International Speedway in November and earning the "Most Popular Driver Award" as voted on by the media and his peers.   Johnny ended the season with 13 top fives, 17 top ten finishes and lead a total of 315 laps. .

Toyota 2006 Win Ads

2005: 
In January, Bill Davis announce that Johnny would be back behind the wheel of the #23 Toyota Tundra under the direction of crew chief, Greg Ely.  The team struggle through the first part of the season suffering mishaps with equipment and personnel.  A mid season crew chief change and new trucks in the fall made all the difference to propel Johnny to several top five finishes.  This gained him enough points to slip back into the top ten in points at Miami.  Johnny competed in several Cup races for Bill Davis Racing.  2005 Results

2004:
The year began and Johnny did not have finalized plans for a ride.  During the middle part of January, he received a call from James Finch - owner of Phoenix Racing to drive his #09 Dodge in selected races.  As of Daytona, they have agreed to compete in 12 Nextel Cup races.   James Finch also offered a full time BGN ride to Johnny, when he decided to make a driver change in the #1 Yellow Transportation Dodge.  Johnny accepted his offer.  Johnny worked with  crew chiefs Jon Wolfe and Marc Reno.  After 4 top ten finishes, the union of Johnny and the Phoenix Racing Team dissolved.

In June, Johnny got behind of the wheel of the #17 Bayer Ford for Matt Kenseth and John Reiser for a race in Kentucky.  Johnny was running 4th in the closing laps of the race, when a blown tire forced him into the wall

During the summer months, Johnny got behind the microphone as a race analyst for the BGN and Truck Races.  He joined Rick Allen and Phil Parsons in the booth for the Milwaukee, Kansas and Kentucky Races.

A call from Bill Davis put Johnny behind the wheel of the #23 Toyota Tundra under the direction of crew chief, Greg Ely.  In just 13 races, they had five - top 5 finishes and eight top ten finishes.  

Season In Review - 2004 was a season of transition for Johnny Benson. Based on how his season ended, one has to conclude that it was successful. Nobody, however, thought it would unfold the way it did.   Complete Story

2003:
Johnny, James Ince and the entire Valvoline Racing team had high expectations for 2003 in hopes of making the top ten in points and more wins.   With a new 2003 Pontiac to work with and a new team mate, they felt that good things would happen in 2003.  Unfortunately, things did not go the way they planned.   

                         
                                                           John Sr. and Johnny

The new Pontiac presented more of a challenge, his team mate was seriously hurt at Richmond, James Ince left the team at the end of September and Johnny notified in October that they were replacing him as the driver for the 2004 season - with one year left on his contract.   

Johnny completed the 2003 season 24th in drivers points along with 2 - top 5 finishes and 4 - top ten finishes. 

2002: 
The pieces of a competitive team were in place for the Valvoline Racing team under the direction of Johnny and crew chief, James Ince. 

Johnny and the #10 Valvoline Pontiac

Unfortunately, injuries sidelined Johnny in May after an injury he sustained at Richmond while driving the #31 BGN car.  After sitting out several races, Johnny was ready for competition.  While running 6th in the Pepsi 400, Johnny was tapped from behind to sustain another injury.  He again sat on the sidelines.  The team fell back into rhythm towards the fall races with Johnny competing for the lead.  A second place finish at Martinsville set the tone for Johnny's first Winston Cup win at Rockingham in the Pop Secret 400 on November 3, 2002.  It was a great day for all Johnny Benson Fans!   

Photo gallery of JB's First Win
Click Here
nextel_coverage1.html-t=printable

Johnny completed the 2002 season 29th in drivers points after competing in 31 of the 36 events.  The team finished 21st in owners points.  Johnny had 1 win, 3 top 5 finishes and 7 top ten finishes. 

Johnny traveled to Cayuga, Canada to compete in a CASCAR race.  While he was there, he jumped into a supermodified. 
        
Photos courtesy of Dan Johnson

  
2001:
This season held a lot of promise as Johnny began the year as the driver of the MBV Motorsports team sponsored and owned by Valvoline. James Ince returned as crew chief. The #10 moved into a new shop that is closer to teammate Ken Schrader's #36 team. The future is looking bright for both drivers.


Johnny ended the 2001 season 11th in the Winston Cup Point Standings.  He had 6 top five finishes and 14 top ten finishes.  Other highlights include the winning the pole and the win for the Winston Open race. 

Johnny and his coupe

2000:
Signed on with Tim Beverley and the Tyler Jet Motorsports team driving the #10 Pontiac Grand Prix. James Ince - crew chief. Lycos began to sponsor the car in February, but by July the decals came off as the sponsorship did not work out.

In July, the #10 team was bought out by MB2 Motorsports. Aarons Rent came on board starting with the Indy race and through the rest of the season.

In August, during the MIS weekend history is made as Valvoline announces they will become part owner of the MB2 Motorsports. The new team will be called MBV Motorsports. Valvoline will be the sponsor. Johnny will continue to be the driver and James Ince will be the crew chief. They have both signed contracts for 2 years.

                                         The unveiling at Michigan

Johnny finished the 2000 season 13th in the Winston Cup Point Standings.  He had 3 top five finishes and 7 top ten finishes.
 

1999:
The performance of the Johnny and the #26 team did not meet expectations in 1999. Crew Chiefs: Bobby Leslie, Pat Tryson and Tommy Morgan tried to turn the #26 program around. One top 5 finish was a bright spot in a rather dismal season. Finished 28th in points. Johnny was granted a release from his contract from Jack Roush.

1998:
Began the season with high hopes driving the #26 Ford Taurus. Earned three top-five and 10 top 10 finishes during his first season with Roush Racing. Cheerios / General Mills was the sponsor. Steve Hmiel began the season as the crew chief and was replaced in August by Ben Leslie. Finished 20th in points.

1997:
Finished 11th in NASCAR Winston Cup Series point standings, just one point out of the top 10. Won pole position at DeVilbliss 400 at Michigan Speedway in August. Claimed eight top 10 finishes and accumulated $1,120,814 in winnings. In September, Roush Racing announced that Benson would join its five-car Winston Cup Series effort.

1996:
Started his Winston Cup career with owner Chuck Rider and the Bahari Racing team. Drove the #30 Pontiac Grand Prix. Doug Hewitt - crew chief. Pennzoil sponsored the car. Won 1996 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year award. Earned pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway in only his fourth start just after the birth of his first child. Led 70 laps in the 1996 Brickyard 400, the most of any driver. Finished 21st in points.

1995:
Continued with BACE Motorsports who brought on sponsorship from Lipton Tea. Won NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division Championship by 404 points over Chad Little. Won Busch Light 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Sun-Drop 400 at Hickory Speedway. Recorded 12 top five finishes and completed 96 percent of all laps during the season.   Remember When - 1995

1994:
This was the first full season with BACE Motorsports and owner Bill Baumgardner. Steve Bird was his crew chief and Staff America was the sponsor. Johnny drove the #74 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Won NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division Rookie of the Year. Finished sixth in Busch Series Championship points. Won his first BGN race at Dover Downs International Speedway in the Split Fire Spark Plug 200. It was Benson's 29th career start in the BGN Series and the first time a rookie in the series won his first race on a Superspeedway.  Remember When - 1994

1993:
Won the American Speed Association Championship by capturing five victories and 10 pole positions, including seven track records and a series records six consecutive poles. Johnny's win came at Columbus, Nashville, Calgary, Minnesota and Toledo. Set an ASA record in season earnings at $194,735. Berger Chevrolet and Port City Racing were the major sponsors.

In just four years of ASA competition, Johnny compiled the following statistics: Competed in 72 events. Completed 90% of laps - 19,172 of 21,289 laps. Led a total of 3,244 laps. Earned 9 victories and 20 pole positions. Had 37 top five finishes and 48 top ten finishes.

Entered first BGN event at Michigan International Speedway in August in the #41 sponsored by Delco Remy owned by Ernie Irvan. In September, BACE Motorsports hired Benson to drive on the BGN circuit in 1994. Johnny and Debbie moved to North Carolina.

1992:
ASA ownership transferred to Benson-Harris Racing. Chris Bradley was the crew chief. Finished 2 points behind Mike Eddy is the closest points race in ASA history.

Competed in 17 events. Completed 91% of laps - 4,410 of 4,822 laps. Led a total of 927 laps. Won four ASA events and seven pole positions. Johnny's wins came at Columbus, Milwaukee, Berlin and Auto City. Earned 11 top five finishes and 14 top ten finishes.

The Nashville Network (TNN) invaded the ASA scene and started to produce and televise live ASA racing.

1991:
Throop Motorsports separated the shop and Johnny's team moved to Benson Speed Equipment. Chip Caputo - crew chief. Finished fourth in the ASA Championship points race. Had 10 top five finishes and 14 top ten finishes and earned two pole positions. Led a total of 520 laps and completed 92% of total laps.

1990:
Throop Motorsports signed Johnny to drive in ASA series and gained Bob Senneker as a teammate. Dave Taylor - crew chief. Johnny was able to retain his favorite number - #21 and drove a Chevrolet Lumina. The ASA series traveled from one end of the USA to another including Calgary Alberta, Canada.

Won the ASA Rookie of the Year and finished eight in ASA championship points. Had 5 top five finishes and 8 top ten finishes and earned one pole position. Led a total of 174 laps and completed 85% of total laps.

Johnny also competed in his late model car competing 23 time. He took the pole position 16 times and earned 6 victories. There were 17 top five finishes and 21 top ten finishes.

1986 - 1989:
Started his asphalt career at Berlin Raceway where his father won seven track championships. In 1989, Johnny continued that tradition by winning the Late Model Championship at Berlin Raceway. Johnny set a track record by winning 10 of 15 events. Johnny also entered events at Kalamazoo, Columbus and Sandusky Speedways.

In just seven years of competition spanning from the 1982 - 1989 seasons, Johnny compiled the following statistics: Qualifications: 44 Fast Times - 3 track records. Won 33 heat races. Won 23 Feature races with 65 top five finishes and 84 top ten finishes.

Johnny's first asphalt Late Model

1982 - 1984:
John Sr., retired from competition in 1981 making way for Johnny to begin his racing career on dirt. He started out at Thunderbird Speedway by winning rookie of the year in 1982. Johnny kept tradition by using his dad's number - #21. The name of the team was Aesculapian Enterprises under the direction of John Sr. and Richard Harris. During his dirt racing career Johnny competed at Thunderbird, I-96 (Ionia), Crystal, Butler, Martin, Auto City, Hartford and Eldora Speedways.

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     John Benson Sr. began his racing career in 1956 and retired at the end of the season in 1980.  His racing contributions have been a significant factor in the growth and success of racing in the West Michigan area.  In a span of thirty years, John Sr. began his racing career  at the Speedrome in Comstock Park and retired while competing at Berlin Raceway.  Although there were several offers for him to move on to the big leagues through the years, he made the decision to stay in West Michigan. 

     John Sr., traveled throughout the Midwest competing at the following tracks:  Grand Rapids Speedrome; Comstock Park, Berlin Raceway, MI;  Oswego, New York;  Sandusky, Ohio; Lorain Country, Ohio; Illiana, IN;  Baer Field, IN, Queen City, OH, Auburn, MI; Jackson, MI; Kalamazoo, MI;  New Bremen, IN; Hartford, MI; Heidelberg, PA; Sharon, OH; Winchester, IN; Salem, IN; Owosso, MI. 

Career Highlights:  

§         Won the 1966 Oswego Classic

§         Won seven track championships at Berlin Raceway – 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1978

• Competed at Michigan International Speedway in one Winston Cup Race in 1973 at the age of 36.  Started 36th - Finished 21st.
• Won over 191 main events and over 243 heat races
• Created Benson Speed Equipment – developing parts for the racing community
• Owned race team for Johnny Benson during his dirt, asphalt and ASA years from
  1981 – 1993
• Inducted into the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame
• Continued involvement in racing at Berlin - owns race team
• Continued involvement in Johnny Benson’s career – is the support spotter on race day in Winston Cup Racing
• Inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2001
• Inducted into the Berlin Raceway Hall of Fame
  
   

John Sr. and Judy Benson -  Daytona - 2002

Other Stories of Interest

• A Father's Day Wish

• Johnny goes home for Dad's induction - Grand Rapids Sports

The Photo Gallery

1980 - Berlin Raceway	1979 - Victory Lane at Berlin
1979 - Supermodified - Winchester Speedway
1978 - Johnny behind the wheel of "Dad's" car	1978 - The Crew at Berlin Ron Piechocki, Dr. Harris, Johnny, John Sr., Howard Bradley, Armand Johnson  and Russ Hoekwater
1975 - Victory Lane Johnny and John Sr.	1973 - A Ride at MIS Started 36th - Finished 21st
1973 - Berlin Track Champions John Sr., Chet Mysliwiec and Jack Drolema	1971 - In Victory Lane at Berlin
1971 - Victory Lane Jimmy Meyers, John Sr, Dr. Richard Harris  and Chuck Mysliwiec	1969 - A win at Berlin
1966 - A win at Berlin Raceway	1965 - Speedrome
1962 - Stock Car at the Speedrome	A Victory at the Speedrome
1958 - Speedrome Return to Top of Page