My Own Junior Johnson Story

[john2]

   ( See Mark's topic on the JJ car on the  Early GN topic. )

I retired from my career job on June 30, 1994. Shortly thereafter, Jimmy  Spencer won the July Daytona race for Junior.  And a day or two later, I went on vacation to North Carolina.

I first went to Boone, and being hot and heavy into watercolor painting, visited a place called " Cheap Joe's Art Stuff. "  That was a mail order outfit, which invited anyone to visit the warehouse. So, I did. Then, I stopped by North Wilkesboro Speedway, which I believe had already closed, and was able to go in and look around.  As I recall, the paint on the walls was fading and peeling. 

Next I went to Junior's shop, walked in and promptly asked it they gave shop tours.  A guy in there, ( not a lady secretary or receptionist ),  said, " No, just go back there and look anywhere you like. "  And so I said, "  You mean I don't need anyone with me ?"   And he said, "  No, Junior is not like that. "  For all he knew, I could have been someone's spy. 

But, guess what I found ?  The winning car from a few days earlier, with the trophy sitting on top of it !!!  How about that, race fans ?  As I remember from 24 years ago, I think it was one of the 27 red McDonalds cars.

And finally,  I went to Harry Gant's Steakhouse in Taylorsville and had supper.  But ole Handsome Harry was no where to be seen.  Off to the next race, I guess.  The place was full of pictures though.

A nice trip indeed.

[sentsat71]

Neat story, John2
Thanks for sharing...!

[TarheelRick]

John, you were within 15 miles of my house and didn't stop by to see me, I am hurt.   Junior's shop was like that.  I went up there with my aunt's boyfriend several years ago, he grew up in the same hollar as Junior and knew him most of his life.  Anyway, Junior's Monte Carlo (the Gatorade car) had just won the Rockingham race the week before, and they were in the process of revamping it.  Got a chance to walk around the facilities, then when we got back to the "front office" Junior was sitting in there with a couple of other people and offered us a Busch beer, that was his other sponsor at the time.  However, once he dropped Flossie for the gold-digger I lost most of my respect for him.

[john2]

   Shoot, Rick.  I didn't even have a computer then.  lol

[MarkJ]

Really neat story, John. That must have been fun to just walk around and soak up the awesomeness of the place.

[john2]

   Yes, Mark, it was.