April 26, 1945 – Racer Dick Johnson is born

Richard “Dick” Johnson of Dick Johnson Racing was born on this day in 1945 in Queensland, Australia. He is a part-owner of the V8 Supercar team DJR Team Penske and a former racing driver himself. As a driver, he was a five-time Australian Touring Car Champion and a three-time winner of the Bathurst 1000. As of 2008 Johnson has claimed over twenty awards and honors including a 2001 induction into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame. In 1989 and 1990 Johnson entered in several NASCAR races. It was not a highly successful venture, as his best finish was 22nd during his stint in the series. Johnson officially retired from driving in 1999.