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Thirty-seven years ago a likeable, straight
talking, Queenslander began a long and successful motor racing career.
Dick Johnson's name is now synonymous with Ford but most people don't
realise he started in a Holden!
In 1980 our nation opened it's hearts and pockets for DJ when his Falcon
crashed into a rock at Mount Panorama while leading the race.
This cruel act by a spectator didn't deter Johnson and the public
support was repaid when he won Bathurst the following year.
1981 also marked the first of five Australian Touring Car titles that
would bear Johnson's name.
His ability to caress a car helped Dick win the most gruelling events -
the Sandown 500 twice and Bathurst 3 times.
When he retired from racing in 1999 this gritty, determined driver had
racked up 169 consecutive championship starts - a record which still
stands.
One of the most passionate supporters of V8 Supercar racing Johnson is
still trackside following his team's championship campaign closely.
A family man who's always keen for a laugh and never backward in coming
forward Dick Johnson is the epitome of Australian Sporting Champions.
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NZLADS 
