NASCAR lost one of its legends Friday when Junior Johnson died at age 88. Johnson was one of the most successful drivers and team owners in the sport's early decades, and he was a part of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class in 2010.
He also attracted a devoted fan base through his backstory of outrunning the law as he hauled moonshine across North Carolina, an endeavor that, in turn, led to him running stock cars.
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People associated with NASCAR, in reacting to the news of his death, detailed Johnson's outsize role in building stock car racing into a national sport:
NASCAR statement from Jim France on the passing of Junior Johnson. pic.twitter.com/Kg8aaVitxH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 20, 2019
No one outside the France family has been more instrumental to the growth of Nascar than #JuniorJohnson, who has passed at age 88. A superstar driver, then multi-championship team owner, he brought RJR/Winston to Nascar, vaulting the sport to national prominence.
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) December 20, 2019
Robert Glenn Johnson, Jr.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 20, 2019
The Last American Hero.
What a Legend.
Rest easy Junior. https://t.co/NdSokBy8G0
really saddened by the news of the passing of NASCAR pioneer Junior Johnson. it’s been a tough year for the guys from the early days. 😪 pic.twitter.com/Q4hGgOxr3d
— Wood Brothers Racing (@woodbrothers21) December 20, 2019
Every aspiring driver needs to know Junior Johnson’s story. RIP the true soul of NASCAR. Built cars to outrun the law. Then, only legends receive pardons from Presidents. pic.twitter.com/M8fbwthL2U
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) December 21, 2019
Junior Johnson was both an all-time great driver and an all-time great owner as well. His legacy will live on in the sport for generations. pic.twitter.com/E7P7osKWBV
— Jaret Lundberg (@IceTitan80) December 20, 2019
A one of a kind icon. Larger than life on and off the track.
— Seth Sharp (@SethSharp35) December 20, 2019
I’ve always dreamed of sitting and listening to Junior Johnson tell stories about his career. I can’t even imagine.
Thank you Junior, for everything. pic.twitter.com/1ApTjr2bnS
Junior Johnson was one of the coolest people who ever lived. Innovator. Bootlegger. Man’s man. American badass of the highest order.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) December 21, 2019
The Last American Hero.
One of the great pleasures of my career was sitting alongside him @NASCARHall voting days, and listening.
Rest easy, sir. pic.twitter.com/RMKfAoi0Bl
My favorite Junior Johnson story was when I personally went to JJs house at 19 years old trying to get a job in the sport. He was mowing his yard, shut his mower off and just told me the best way to do it. It was a moment engraved in my head forever.
— 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 (@racechaser1one) December 20, 2019
Hate to lose these legends.
