AutoAction
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SIGN UP

The next Johnson making a name for himself

By Thomas Miles

Jack Johnson is determined to start making his mark in motorsport and will do so by debuting in the Stars and Renegades Formula Ford Series at Winton this weekend.

Johnson, 19, has risen up the ranks from karting before making a circuit racing debut last year in the Victorian Hyundai Excel Series.

But the opening round of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series will be a new step in his career being his maiden national race.

The Johnson name is a famous one in Australian motor racing, but Jack has some different sporting pedigree in his veins.

He is the son of Western Bulldogs AFL great Brad Johnson, who played 364 games  and kicked 558 goals between 1994 and 2010.

Jack Johnson will also have 2000 Bathurst 1000 winner Jason Bargwanna and his TCR winning son Ben Bargwanna in his corner as mentors.

Jack Johnson said his passion for racing started by attending the F1 and has even given up footy to go racing.

“I’ve done karting for five years, then stepped up into Excels last season before jumping into Formula Ford,” said Johnson.

Brad Johnson is one of the favourite sons of the west. Image: Supplied

“I’ve always had a passion for motorsport since we went to the Grand Prix when I was five or six and grew up loving it.

“When I got the opportunity to get in a kart at the age of 13, I took it and stopped footy to pursue my own career.

“We all get told if you can drive a Formula Ford, you can pretty much drive anything. It’s a fun category to learn from and step up into the next thing.

“We’ve done a lot of practice at Winton to start the year, so it’s a good track to learn and experience a mix of slow-speed, high-speed corners in addition to getting your brake technique right. It’s just a great track to learn at.”

Father Brad is looking forward to watching his son go racing at a higher level as he is now a fully invested racing fan.

“It’s exciting and it’s been a completely different world for us from day one in karting through to now,” said Johnson.

“We love it. We’re passionate about the sport now, so to see not only Jack, but the other young drivers trying to establish their careers and work through it is great to watch.

“We’ve tried to set it up where Jack has some coaching behind him, but trains and works hard to provide all the things that are needed.

“Most importantly though, is he enters the track with a smile on his face and leaves with one, which is awesome.

“It’s great that there’s full coverage, so when I’m at the footy, I can sit back and put Kayo on to have a look to see how Jack’s going.”

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.