Bobby Johns Passes

[ancrdave]

Just found out that South Florida racing legend Bobby Johns has passed away... Yet another one of the greats who seem to be leaving us almost every week...
Johns got started at tracks in S. Florida like Palm Beach, Hollywood, Medley and Hialeah... He competed in 141 NASCAR Cup races between 1956 and 1972 winning twice and scoring 36 top-ten finishes... His primary interest was the Firestone dealership he ran with his dad in Miami and he was a fixture at all the South Florida tracks until Hialeah shut down in 2005 leaving no more tracks in the Miami area...

The official obituary:

Robert James Johns
"Bobby" Johns, 83, passed away suddenly March 7 at his home in Miami.
Born May 22, 1932 in Miami, where he resided his entire life and began his racing career. He was a racing legend as he won the Atlanta 500, the Bristol 500, 2nd in the Daytona 500, and many other racing achievements. He was one of the first NASCAR drivers to race in the Indy 500, where he raced twice and finished in the top ten. A graduate of Miami Tech High, he served in the US Army and worked in his own business until the day of his passing. Preceded in death by his father "Shorty" Johns and companion Wanda Tallent, he is survived by his loving sister Angel Sistrunk and family. Graveside service at noon on Thursday, March 8th at Southern Memorial Park Cemetery, North Miami.

[OldSchool+]

Was there in 1960 when Johns lost the Daytona 500 in a freak deal when his back ('59 Yunick Pontiac bubbletop) window blew out and he spun into the infield.

Always followed Bobby and liked his '66 & '67 Chevelles a lot as well.

Here is an article that highlights his career:

http://www.legendsofnascar.com/bobby_johns.htm

And an interview:

http://www.hotrod.com/cars/featured/...-circumstance/

[Groundpounder]

Bobby Johns, teammate of Jimmy Clark at Indy in 1965...RIP Brother

[jacko241]

I bought race tires from Bobby beginning in the early 80's when I raced in the SCCA. He would show up in his box truck and mount and balance them in the back. Bobby was always friendly and helpful. God bless him and his family.