People use the word Icon a lot . Its a word that best describes Jr. He engineered parts from scratch. Building control arms for cars running 170 mph in the early sixties. He was a very intelligent businessman. 6 championships, as a car owner. Three as a driver. He introduced many new drivers to big money sponsors. He brought RJ Reynolds to Sponsor the whole grand national championship series. My Family is from that part of the North Carolina. In that part of the country, not A lot of good paying jobs. Junior showed the rest of the country, hard work and dedication can make you a winner In life. As they say these days Put some love on his name. ❤
I met him twice and got his autograph once, but my fondest memory will always be the thank you he gave me when I helped him get a stuck snack from a vending machine at the Mt. Pocono Airport ❤🤙
Back in highschool, around 1974 or 1975, a movie came out called The Last American Hero. It was all based on Juniors moon shine days and racing. Rest in peace brother. 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸
im from sweden and im a huge nascar fan since i was a kid. im 40 now. nascar have never been a huge sport in sweden but i fell for it and love it. i would do anything to meet earnhardt sr and jr and junior johnson and many more. sadly. many of them are long gone. thank you Junior Johnson for everything you did for nascar. may you rest in peace
He will always be my number one hero and enormously influential in my interest and obsession with the automotive hobby. I'd give anything to sit with him and listen to him talk about the old days and the cars he built and raced. To me that would be more valuable than riches or gold.
A couple of days ago spent a regular weekly time with Fred Lorenzen, who although in a nursing home with concussive syndrome, still remembers most of his racing days, fellow drivers, and driving Jr's infamous Banana car that always brings a mischievous giant smile. RIP Jr.
Junior and Fireball were always at the top on my favorite list. I loved the way they raced and did not have to worry about restrictor plates that kept everyone bunched up.
Unfortunately the crash that caused Fireball Roberts death was because Fireball and Junior got together on the track, that started the chain of events that caused Fireballs death.
Truly Awesome!! I Pray their roots passion and Grit will Continue on to the Next Generation!! I haven't heard of Mr. Wolfe until today, but have seen The Last American Hero... The fight Jr. Johnson had in that movie, the will, and determination he had was remarkable!!
Junior and North wilkesboro two of the best thangs that there was for western Nc, I grew up at that track watching nascar and Modfieds,then went to a few party’s at juniors growing up RIP Big Man
Watching this again reinvigorates my desire to be a better writer and a better race car driver. I don’t even drive a race car. But I sure love me some stock car racing. RIP, Junior😢
Jr. was the man when it come to stock cars. I like stories of what he pulled on nascar. That would make a great book stories of what the all the teams pulled over on Nascar. Not cheating if you don't get caught. Good one lead weights in tire rims to pass weight limit. then gain 400+ pds once take them heavy rims & tires off car on 1st pit stop.
@@headbrown5629 wolfe was from the south to....being 1 year apart in age he discovered how much they actually had in common with johnson...sons of the new south making thier way upward in society.....
10:53 I know that hill! used to walk up it with my dad when it was still grass. was hard to do at 7yrs but when they paved it, it sure did help the climb. But by then I was 10 I think.
Yeah I got to meet them both and bud Moore and Bobby allison and ned Jarrett and maurice petty and the great David Pearson I very blessed to meet the best !
Junior Johnson was a great race car driver and wolf was a great reporter too bad there isn't more reporters today reporting real news instead of fake news whether it's instead in sports Politics the presidency whatever good journalists are a Dying Breed May wolf rest in peace and Junior Ann Earnhardt man also Alan kulwicki
You will NEVER see real men like these old nascar drivers agaiN. Just a bunch of kids driving cars that damn near anyone can jump in and make a few laps. 20 yrs from now we will be watching nascar drivers race on their video games and nascar will be gone.
With the money Jr. Johnson brought to Nascar from Winston, the France family owes him a statue at their headquarters ! This created the huge success it became. Sadly it has gone downhill the last 15 years or so. They got greedy and ignored their loyal fans by building and racing on the cookie cutter tracks. Just look in the grandstands nowadays. 🤔
Yes RIP Jr,,,/ from one jr to another dale love to see the efforts of I racing scanning the track/// .. lets get north wilkesboro up and running invitational late model and modifieds.. even under the lights wed/thur. nights tv races series..? . call it the junior speedway at north wilkesboro its long overdue and needed more now than ever.. pretty soon darrell and nashville will be re- established// we hope... as a fan someone who is familiar with joe carver.. i would like to see langley speedway hickory mtle beach anything..!!! but wilkes could do a short track tv events. and other short track series.. with top named drivers competing for charities and or purses. .improvements etc...were going to start "loosing them" more and more each day ages.. .let the Nascar drivers owners etc.. know how much they are loved while they are here~!!!!/..penske roush chidress hendrick etc..etc..etc.. (good luck chasing 8 yes !!! jimmie johnson48)
People use the word Icon a lot . Its a word that best describes Jr. He engineered parts from scratch. Building control arms for cars running 170 mph in the early sixties. He was a very intelligent businessman. 6 championships, as a car owner. Three as a driver. He introduced many new drivers to big money sponsors. He brought RJ Reynolds to Sponsor the whole grand national championship series. My Family is from that part of the North Carolina. In that part of the country, not A lot of good paying jobs. Junior showed the rest of the country, hard work and dedication can make you a winner In life. As they say these days Put some love on his name. ❤
I met him twice and got his autograph once, but my fondest memory will always be the thank you he gave me when I helped him get a stuck snack from a vending machine at the Mt. Pocono Airport ❤🤙
Back in highschool, around 1974 or 1975, a movie came out called The Last American Hero. It was all based on Juniors moon shine days and racing. Rest in peace brother. 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸
Can watch it for free on TH-cam.
Unfortunately the movie was nothing like the real life story of Junior Johnson.
im from sweden and im a huge nascar fan since i was a kid. im 40 now. nascar have never been a huge sport in sweden but i fell for it and love it. i would do anything to meet earnhardt sr and jr and junior johnson and many more. sadly. many of them are long gone. thank you Junior Johnson for everything you did for nascar. may you rest in peace
Rest in peace Junior Johnson.
o7
Alive & Well & living in the heart of the people 🏎️
Thank you for making this. What a concept, and what a beautiful execution.
He will always be my number one hero and enormously influential in my interest and obsession with the automotive hobby. I'd give anything to sit with him and listen to him talk about the old days and the cars he built and raced. To me that would be more valuable than riches or gold.
There are some good JR Johnson Interviews on Jooow Tooob
RIP Junior Johnson - A NASCAR legend
A couple of days ago spent a regular weekly time with Fred Lorenzen, who although in a nursing home with concussive syndrome, still remembers most of his racing days, fellow drivers, and driving Jr's infamous Banana car that always brings a mischievous giant smile. RIP Jr.
They were both 88 years old when they passed away 😢
Tom Wolfe's piece of The Last American Hero is one of the finest works of writing that I have ever read.
Great piece! Tom and Junior are having a Big time in haven right now.
I remember watching Junior Johnson race and I love to see him race
Terrific story, I loved it.
Cheers😊
Junior and Fireball were always at the top on my favorite list. I loved the way they raced and did not have to worry about restrictor plates that kept everyone bunched up.
Unfortunately the crash that caused Fireball Roberts death was because Fireball and Junior got together on the track, that started the chain of events that caused Fireballs death.
Greatful for the time we had with you and the memories we have of you!
I've watched this video so many times
It never gets old
They will both be missed
RIP Tom Wolfe. We lost Maynard and now Tom. Godspeed, guys. Godspeed.
And now Junior
You helped Nascar with Winston being the Cup Series Sponsor
Truly Awesome!! I Pray their roots passion and Grit will Continue on to the Next Generation!! I haven't heard of Mr. Wolfe until today, but have seen The Last American Hero... The fight Jr. Johnson had in that movie, the will, and determination he had was remarkable!!
i read the article --I was in a race car before the end of the 65 season--56 years later I still am --RIP junior--
Lenny FIREBALL Garson
JUNIOR WAS EVERY DAY A LIKE....WHAT A MAN....WILL BE MISSED MUCH...RIP...
Your one of the best jr.. R.I.P. brother prayers my friend. Let's keep shine running going . 😉😉😉😉
That was so cool when the two of them met up for the first time, in a long time, it seemed like
Super well done piece! RIP Junior, RIP Tom.
What an amazing video. RIP JJ
Rest easy junior you did so much for our sport we will be forever greatful
Sad days losing legends like JR. God speed you will be missed.
RIP Great history of such a historic man
Phenomenal. Racer and Writer alike. And video storytelling that does them both justice.
Junior and North wilkesboro two of the best thangs that there was for western Nc, I grew up at that track watching nascar and Modfieds,then went to a few party’s at juniors growing up RIP Big Man
Rest in Peace Junior, you were one of the founding Fathers of what NASCAR is today.
Rest easy junior Johnson
RIP Junior and Tom, great short movie.
Watching this again reinvigorates my desire to be a better writer and a better race car driver. I don’t even drive a race car. But I sure love me some stock car racing. RIP, Junior😢
We were blessed with their presence, that was then. May you shine brighter in heaven than on earth.
Missing and remembering you both; Jr. Johnson and Tom Wolfe; great lives lived, men. Christ's blessings.
Two "class act gentlemen" that the world is in serious need of today
RIP Junior! Sad to see a great track "North Wilkesboro"speedway and driver/owner pass away into the sunset....
Great driver great engine and race car builder just a dam good man God is with him
Jr. was the man when it come to stock cars. I like stories of what he pulled on nascar. That would make a great book stories of what the all the teams pulled over on Nascar. Not cheating if you don't get caught. Good one lead weights in tire rims to pass weight limit. then gain 400+ pds once take them heavy rims & tires off car on 1st pit stop.
Got to shake your hand way back, Junior Johnson, RIP.
My three loves collide
NASCAR, the 60s, and Gonzo journalism
I’m from the same hometown, rip Junior Johnson !
I recently watched "The Last American Hero" and now I am here.
I remember watching Junior Johnson race he was a good man I like watching him race
Junior and Tom with the racing gods now. I’m sure they are looking down and smiling.
Ain't no heroes in NASCAR anymore. Just glamor boys.
GREAT little documentary. Tom Wolfe is arguably a more legendary writer than Hemingway. (both are in the pantheon)
THE MAN , the MYTH , the LEGEND JR . JOHNSON ..... American HERO
Rest in peace to both of them..
(Johnson and Wolfe)
Have Fun, Junior & Tom...
RIP Junior Johnson
God bless you Junior
Junior did more single handedly to promote the sport and helped so many with parts not to mention drivers for him.
You will be Missed Junior Johnson
Superb!
Rest in power😓
YES! Junior Johnson
And this is how we make the moonshine.......
He was Absolutely one of the best he mint business what ever he did raceing or whiskey
RIP Tom Wolfe, May you have fun with Dale, Jd, James, Alan, Davey, Clifford, Fireball, Ayrton and Dan in the sky.
@@headbrown5629 wolfe was from the south to....being 1 year apart in age he discovered how much they actually had in common with johnson...sons of the new south making thier way upward in society.....
Yeah RIP JJ but Earnhardt will still dominate heaven like he did here while he raced this earth
Great video
We will miss u 😭
This was an amazing story! I saw the movie two weeks ago! I'm currently Building a Model of his 86 Monte Carlo Budweiser KFC car!
RIP Junior
1931-2019
Amazing filmography
Rest in ride mr Johnson
10:53 I know that hill! used to walk up it with my dad when it was still grass. was hard to do at 7yrs but when they paved it, it sure did help the climb. But by then I was 10 I think.
man to be measured by,probably gave away as much as he had
Rest In Peace
That was great
I like how the old town footage is of Mount Airy and Cornelia, Georgia and not anywhere actually in North Carolina. lol
two names mean stock cars & Nascar to me.,Richard Petty & Junior Johnson.no one else.
Same here ! Amen. So sad NASCAR went from Paradise to pure shit decades ago. How sad.
Yeah I got to meet them both and bud Moore and Bobby allison and ned Jarrett and maurice petty and the great David Pearson I very blessed to meet the best !
Great video!
Rip j. Johnson you will be missed
RIP
True Legend
this got me into racing
Junior Johnson was a great race car driver and wolf was a great reporter too bad there isn't more reporters today reporting real news instead of fake news whether it's instead in sports Politics the presidency whatever good journalists are a Dying Breed May wolf rest in peace and Junior Ann Earnhardt man also Alan kulwicki
I loved it 🏎️
Both Johnson and Wolfe died aged 88..
Was a cool movie,loosely based on this legend.
Rip Junior Johnson
Who would wanna go back and watch JJ running at north wilksboro ??
Rip junior Johnson
You will NEVER see real men like these old nascar drivers agaiN. Just a bunch of kids driving cars that damn near anyone can jump in and make a few laps. 20 yrs from now we will be watching nascar drivers race on their video games and nascar will be gone.
No personality in nascar, and nascar is at fault for not letting their drivers go at it a little. Way to much money in it
Here after the revival at north wilkesboro speedway
Junior is the blood of stock car racing.
With the money Jr. Johnson brought to Nascar from Winston, the France family owes him a statue at their headquarters ! This created the huge success it became. Sadly it has gone downhill the last 15 years or so. They got greedy and ignored their loyal fans by building and racing on the cookie cutter tracks. Just look in the grandstands nowadays. 🤔
Junior Johnson is my 2nd cousin 3X removed. I barely missed inheriting the fortune
FANJG24 dumbest comment ever
@@davidscarfone69 It's a joke.
JUNIOR JOHNSON la classe ,
Isn’t this supposed to be a story on junior Jonson? Not the guy that wrote the story about him ??
I took it to be about the article, and consequently the subject of the said article, and the writer of the article.
Richard Petty is.
Anyone know what year it was published?
1965
Dam you u tub you got to start over again
Induct Smokey
Yes RIP Jr,,,/ from one jr to another dale love to see the efforts of I racing scanning the track/// .. lets get north wilkesboro up and running invitational late model and modifieds.. even under the lights wed/thur. nights tv races series..? . call it the junior speedway at north wilkesboro its long overdue and needed more now than ever.. pretty soon darrell and nashville will be re- established// we hope... as a fan someone who is familiar with joe carver.. i would like to see langley speedway hickory mtle beach anything..!!! but wilkes could do a short track tv events. and other short track series.. with top named drivers competing for charities and or purses. .improvements etc...were going to start "loosing them" more and more each day ages.. .let the Nascar drivers owners etc.. know how much they are loved while they are here~!!!!/..penske roush chidress hendrick etc..etc..etc.. (good luck chasing 8 yes !!! jimmie johnson48)
"The Last American HERO"?????????????????? You have GOT to be kidding. What a MORONIC statement and I even liked Junior Johnson.