Which car (or truck) do you think of when you hear the name Johnny Benson? If you like these videos hit thumbs up and subscribe to see the next one sooner! Stapletonautoworks.com
Johnny is the most down to earth. Much like Kenny Schrader.
2 месяца назад+1
So true! Two of a feather... Kenny story; 1990 @ Sears Point we caught him walking around the food court bbq area (yes, back then it was common to see driver's outside of the pits) and approached him to chat up for an autograph. Damn if our Sharpie was a bit dry and Kenny got it flowing by scribbling on the inside of his wrist. Definitely a regular guy. #25 & #52k lives on!
My lord what an education with all that stuff in the shops. Had no idea what a pioneer his father was. I knew his father raced but didn’t know about all his building. What a genius, not only building his shops but self taught with all that machinery he acquired over time.
Johnny was the 1st guy I knew to make it big in Nascar from Mich. Always pulled for him in every series he raced. Always joked that Johnny was to nice of a guy, he could of won a hell of a lot more if he'd just give a guy a little bumper to get by but thats not how Dad raced and thats not how Johnny races. Class act family thru and thru. Awsome video! Thank you MUCH👍
DON'T STOP doing videos like this. People like Johnny Benson Jr are very rare these days. He had no problem giving you a tour of his family's legacy and telling it like it was for him from a very young age. Many people of that era just loved to built things because it was the thing that people loved to do. My dad taught me how to weld at age 10. He said: "Go find some junk out back of the garage and I will teach you how to weld." I took that pile of car parts, painted it and took it to school for "art class". I won first place beating the local university art professor. He offered to buy my "art" for $25. For a kid in 1965 that was a fortune. Ten years after that I had a business building headers for the local stock car guys. You are never to old to learn.
Grew up 2 miles from the Benson's, same grade school, high school etc. His sister Barb and I were good friends (same grade). John Sr. would weld up our dirt bikes when we busted them up. Up until late teens spent every Saturday at Berlin Raceway watching his dad then Johnny. Then, of course, cheered him on through his ASA and NASCAR career. Very proud of our hometown kid!
Johnny's win at Rockingham is a feel-good clip that always brings me out of a funk. He's another case of the stats not reflecting the talent at least at the Cup level. That #10 Valvoline Grand Prix always stood out in a crowd. This video is a stellar follow up to the IROC festivities. Thank you guys for another golden nugget of racing history!
@@QuietDriver97 Well said man. If there were a list of those whos cup stats don’t reflect talent level he’s on it. Interesting that several of those guys who got the short end of the stick in cup absolutely tore up the truck series.
Yeah these guys were real winners, raced with little to nothing and were still kicking butt. Weren't whiners or show boats that we have today in all series.
WoW What a great video...I really would have wanted to be a machinist but I never had the opportunity..It was always keep going to university and now I am finally building a machine shop and I am going to start building pre war race cars... These videos are so inspiring...
I grew up about 5 miles from the Benson speed shop. I used to ride my bike over to the shop just to catch a glimpse of what was going on there. I was a John Sr fan having watched him at Berlin for years. Later in my teens I was on a pit crew for a local racer who Sadly lost his life at Auto City speedway. We ran against Johnny Jr but I always admired him. I watched a NASCAR race at Richmond from Johnny's pit stall. Great video and great memories
Most definitely. I'm from the Darlinton, S C. area. Darlington was the first supersppedway, but short tracks were it. I wish they still were, better racing. People didn't get killed in short track racing, like the bigger ones.
This was absolutely FASCINATING. Im a supermod guy, so a lot of those stories "fill in blanks" of things I'd heard about for years. And that Charlie Swartz story is PRICELESS. Great job!
Oh yeah, some old dirt late model guys would be a good run of videos. It would have been great to have the stories and talking to the Flintstone Flyer Mike Duvall before he passed. There are tons of older dirt legends. Too many have gone and those racing stories weren't or have yet to be preserved sad to say. CL Pritchett Buck Simmons Freddie Smith Jack Pennington Spiderman Bill Morgan Rex Richey HotRod Lamance Ernest Steifel Fulmer Lance Ed Basey CJ Rayburn Booper Bare Buddy Morris Charlie Swartz and the mid engine wedge
Class Act! Well done Mitchell! Despite being a huge Earnhardt fan, I will never forgot Johnny leading at Daytona (2000?) hoping he would be able to win it!
Johnny Benson is such a great guy. Always enjoyed watching him race and on Inside Winston Cup. Yes please do more videos with Johnny. Such a skilled guy and very down to earth.
These are the guys I respect! Johnny is a grass roots racer , he’s done it all and understands every dynamic of a race car , plus has built every thing himself . Would have loved to have seen Him in one of the better teams , he had the talent ! Loved the 10 Valvolene car it was a ripper ! Thanks again to you and Logan of highlighting the greatest era of NASCAR , back when drivers earned their ticket to the top level !!
I live in Grand Blanc, Mi. About 2hrs from Grand Rapids. I was a big fan of Johnny, never knew he grew up in Michigan. I learned a lot from watching this. Thank you!
Man, I know i am old because I haven't heard Johnny benson's name for a long time. Wow. thanks, man, for all of these great memories of sitting and grilling out and watching the race. And my buddy's drinking some beers and have just had a blast
I’m 63 now. Think it kind of remarkable, how familiar many of these shops and stories seem, even for not having ever been there. Must be the flavor of things back in the day…
Great film. Born in Grand Rapids, My father took me to Berlin Raceway when i was growing up. Started in 69 i was 9 at the time. Brings back many memories. We had a nieghbor that had a speed shop for awhile on S. division ave. in Grand Rapids and he also ran at Berlin. Watched Johnny Benson Sr. win races forever, with all the other big names at the time, still have all the souvenir programs from then. Followed Benson Jr. throughout his career into Nascar. wish he would have stayed longer. Berlin raceway and Kalamazoo speedway where the 2 tracks we would attend. Great times!
You asked for comments from people who watched your video. I watched the entire video, and I loved it! My first race fan experience would have been at Berlin Raceway, with my dad and my brother, and always rooting for John Benson Sr. Then following Johnny Jr. as he had so much success at Berlin, and moved to ASA, and then to the NASCAR world. It was just so special seeing a 'local' guy make it in the big time.
One thing is consistent with that generation of racers. When you hired the driver you also received a master mechanic, fabricator, engineer, etc. You don’t see that around pavement racing garages today. I really enjoy these videos and the appreciate the effort both Logan and you put in to making them.
I’m born and raised in Grand Rapids. I’ve always been a Johnny Benson fan. Alot of history with the Bensons and Sennekers. My father in law grew up around them and tells some funny stories about the Sennekers. The Speedrome was another local track before Berlin.
I always liked Johnny while he was in NASCAR. After seeing this, I have a much higher level of respect for him and what he has done. Great video Mitchell!!
I became a fan of Johnny's during SpeedWeeks of 2000. What a great performance in the unsponsored Tyler Jet car, then being in position to win the 500! His win at The Rock in '02 I still remember well, and of course the truck championship in '08. It was really cool to find out how hands-on he was, and still is to this day. Thanks for doing this one!
17:05 awesome seeing the thunderbird sign. I grew up a few miles away and would hear the cars echoing every weekend. Awesome video guys. Growing up in West Mi Johnny was the local guy to root for in nascar. I remember a local lube shop kept the a cutout of Johnny in their shop for years.
Nice to see Johnny real long time fan 😁 thank you guys for archiving all of this history. Johnny my hat's off to you and your father for the years of racing, and that darn work ethic 😂 we all about dead because that is all we knew was work 🤕 good day my friend 🏁👏🏼👏🏼🏁 thank you Stapleton's! I have always supported racing sponsors..must say from now on Pennzoil will be my product. You let the folks know we appreciate their participation in motor sports 👏🏼👏🏼
Awestruck seeing this. Benson Sr. Is the legend along with Senneker, Ruttman, Fair and many more. What an amazing tour, seeing the backstory of this great family. If Johnny has more to share, please do create more content. You are (or were) in a region of racing golden history. Nicely done!
ASA raced on the half-mile at the Minnesota State Fair for a number of years (until 2002) and on the road course at the Brainerd International Raceway (1993 through 1995). After one of the Brainerd races, I was taking some pictures in the pits. I asked Johnny Benson if I could get one of him with his car. The rear of the car was jacked up and Johnny said "let me get it off the jack so it looks like a race car." As a young person, I was impressed with that and so Johnny Benson became my favorite driver as he moved on to the Busch Series and the Winston Cup series. I always liked his quiet demeanor unlike some drivers who seemed to be quite cocky and full of themselves. (This was another enjoyable and educational video. Even though Johnny was "my" driver, I knew little of his background and upbringing. It was fun to follow him around the shops today.)
Great story . My Dad ran super modified back in the sixties. We lived in Lansing so an hour away. I watched Johnny when he was younger around mid Michigan. Followed him through asa.. Nascar and always loved it. Local hero for us in mid Michigan.
You were in my hood! Well, old hood. I live about an hour away, but used to drive by there all the time on my way to class or work. Johnny Benson seams like one of the nicest fellers. Dude still shows up to race at Berlin once or twice a year. Thank you so much for the Michigan stock car history. Would love to see you do more on Michigan racing history. Anything from the 1948 Cadillac that raced in NASCAR to the Gold Cup power boat races in Detroit.
These stories are so amazing. You would never know how people made it. Johnny's father is a classic. He is very organized for someone who saves everything.
This video was another absolutely awesome trip back in time and seeing ALL the equipment and buildings they have is fascinating. I really thought it was cool to see the ASA body panels in the attic, especially with the TNN decal on it!! Thanks Mitchell and Logan
Johnny Benson is one of those old-school guys that you just can’t help but love and respect! Thank you for your tireless dedication Mitchell and Logan! Y’all make my entertainment so enjoyable and valuable (and educational). 😁👊💪
Mitchell. I can’t thank you enough for these videos. It’s awesome that you are taking the time to show these great drivers that a lot of the new generations forgot about.
For sure. My younger kids' generation have no clue about racing like I did growing up. I took my oldest to the races when I went to watch, and also when I raced. He never had the moth to a flame interest that I had. Too many distractions. Now that he's a young man all the tracks are closed and he takes interest and wants the old man and his uncle to get back into it. . I remember making the annual two week mecca trip to Charlotte. Had the insert/ entry sheet they would hand out on Wednesday, the week of the Winston and for the 600. I was a 7yr old boy, with Dad's robic stop watch, timing two cars at a time during practice and single car qualifying average speeds, writing it down to figure out and tell my old man who's going to be bumped to round 2 qualifying (day 2). Memorized the line up sheets, the sponsors, the car owners, the numbers, the drivers hometown, the teams hometown. . Watched the names of many legends change in those inserts through the couple of decades. I remember the distinct sounds of a single cup car hauling the mail down the back stretch of CMS. And hearing when a guy lifted and got back on the gas in 3/4. And you knew when a guy was not gonna make the show or he was gonna be on the pole.
I was born in Kalamazoo, MI. My dad lived in Grand Rapids on Brenton rd. In the 1990's he owned all the Great Lakes Car Washes. I was always a big Johnny Benson fan, but never knew he lived in Grand Rapids!!!
Great tour of the Benson Racing family shops. One of the coolest guys in the sport and a Michigan driver. I wished he won a WC race at MIS , that would have been awesome. Excellent video
Good ol mom is worried about the upstairs being messy in a race shop. You two are making such killer content and contacts as you go. I think you'll keep getting doors opened to you because as the more people see you're product and the respect and curiosity you both show makes the folks more at ease and will tell others that they I did a video with this fella and his gal and they were great we need to get them together with you. keep doing what you're doing we'll keep watching and supporting ya
Probably my new favorite video. Such an outstanding job showing the roots of these ol skool guys and what they did and still do. What a neat story. The notes to tell folks I am out back by the corn.. priceless. It reminds me of my Dad who’s 84. Ol skool greaser that has built some neat stuff in his day. Great job once again, thank you guys.
I remember Johnny well, dirt tracks, ASA at Many and in Pennzoil cars or as Busch series in Lipton car, nice to see this, I live 2 hrs from here and still Go to Berlin,Owosso, and dirtvtracks. I'm 73 and been car nuts my whole life. Nice to see him doing well, would die for his shop!!
Man JB looks great. In his NASCAR prime, we nicknamed him the Lawyer. Tall, slim, glasses, and just looked official. We'll, we thought it was funny. Always loved Johnny Benson and learning his history and seeing the ole shop is so cool. Thanks as always for all you and Logan do.
I don’t live to far the benson home I seen him at a store one afternoon and thought thats JB I didn’t bother him but it was cool seeing him I miss the old nascar don’t watch it anymore but man the old days motors roaring the smell the people #3 lol just miss it
21. ..Asa. Great outstanding comprehensive collection of fascinating items from a time capsule of a house/ shop /shato ..🎉 look forward to Alan's story as well.
This video is one of your best, waaaaay different than I was expecting, didn’t know he was so hands on, I knew the name but didn’t pay much attention to him, great job!! Keep it up
I absolutely loved this video!! I always liked Johnny & mainly remember him driving the #10 Valvoline car! I think he was one of the most underrated drivers in NASCAR!!! He was an amazing driver & always seemed to be an amazing person also!! I also looked forward to watching Johnny, Allen Bestwick, Michael Waltrip & Ken Schrader on their show Inside Winston Cup Racing on the SPEED Channel!! It was always entertaining & fun to watch!! Thanks again for such an incredible video!!
When I hear Johnny Benson's name, the image of the yellow Penzoil car with the rear bumper on the ground at talladega, pops in my mind. Always liked that man. Great video!
Johnny Benson was one of those guy's you wanted great thing for I remember him back in the day I surly wished he could have experienced more success in NASCAR Cup, he still is a great driver and an awesome person...
From maine. Love your videos. My wife and I help crew and travel with a supermodified team from maine around 2009 and 2010. Was at Burlin speedway in 09 the night johnny had his bad firy wreck. True racing family for sure. Ty
Awesome video watch the whole thing shared it with my dad and my family. My grandpa actually raced with Johnny’s dad and super modified at Berlin. my dad raced at Berlin when Johnny was there. I now live a mile from the track love the area. Love the race track lotta history here year love seeing Johnny and a super modified.
Which car (or truck) do you think of when you hear the name Johnny Benson? If you like these videos hit thumbs up and subscribe to see the next one sooner!
Stapletonautoworks.com
Already did Mitchell!
The Pennzoil #30.
The template late model I built from a Benson Sr. 90s late model
I really have memories of the #10 “fast white car”. In my mind that car and drives brought JB into being thought about differently.
ISMA 350 SUPER MODIFEDS WE RACED WITH HIM IN THE 90S
Johnny Benson hasnt aged a day. Still looks the exact same as when i watched him as a kid. Great video Mitchell and Logan!!!
Johnny is the most down to earth. Much like Kenny Schrader.
So true! Two of a feather...
Kenny story; 1990 @ Sears Point we caught him walking around the food court bbq area (yes, back then it was common to see driver's outside of the pits) and approached him to chat up for an autograph. Damn if our Sharpie was a bit dry and Kenny got it flowing by scribbling on the inside of his wrist. Definitely a regular guy. #25 & #52k lives on!
My lord what an education with all that stuff in the shops. Had no idea what a pioneer his father was. I knew his father raced but didn’t know about all his building. What a genius, not only building his shops but self taught with all that machinery he acquired over time.
Always liked Johnny Benson. Seemed super humble and a clean racer, never getting into any controversies. Thanks for the video.
My dad won the Berlin super modified championship in 1963 and had many battles with Johnny’s dad throughout the years. The Bensons are a great family
Johnny was the 1st guy I knew to make it big in Nascar from Mich. Always pulled for him in every series he raced. Always joked that Johnny was to nice of a guy, he could of won a hell of a lot more if he'd just give a guy a little bumper to get by but thats not how Dad raced and thats not how Johnny races. Class act family thru and thru. Awsome video! Thank you MUCH👍
Thanks man!
DON'T STOP doing videos like this. People like Johnny Benson Jr are very rare these days. He had no problem giving you a tour of his family's legacy and telling it like it was for him from a very young age. Many people of that era just loved to built things because it was the thing that people loved to do. My dad taught me how to weld at age 10. He said: "Go find some junk out back of the garage and I will teach you how to weld." I took that pile of car parts, painted it and took it to school for "art class". I won first place beating the local university art professor. He offered to buy my "art" for $25. For a kid in 1965 that was a fortune. Ten years after that I had a business building headers for the local stock car guys. You are never to old to learn.
That’s awesome lol. We won’t ever stop!
Grew up 2 miles from the Benson's, same grade school, high school etc. His sister Barb and I were good friends (same grade). John Sr. would weld up our dirt bikes when we busted them up. Up until late teens spent every Saturday at Berlin Raceway watching his dad then Johnny. Then, of course, cheered him on through his ASA and NASCAR career. Very proud of our hometown kid!
I always liked Johnny Benson. I wished he ran longer in cup than he did. The speed show he did with Waltrip and Shrader was my favorite show.
Imagine Johnny in a DEI or Hendrick car back in the early 2000s. Totally different history today for sure
One of the smartest drivers in NASCAR history...imo
Good to see Johnny living his best life!
He reminds me of Alan K #7
Proof that all the veterans weren't just drivers.
My Midwest heroes.....Johnny B....Dick Trickle.....Dave Marcis....Alan Kulwicki.
Don't forget Lake Speed. They remind me of Johnny. Backyard heroes.
Sauters
@@josephreilly6328 - Yes....the Sauters. I forgot them, and i'm from Wisconsin. Thanks.
@@danacostello5908 - You're right.....but he's not from the Midwest.
@@christopherweise438 I need to learn how to read. 🙂
The Benson family is the real deal
Totally. The whole story is pretty amazing
Johnny Benson has always been a very nice guy
He is an absolute gentleman. He always gave off the professor/brain surgeon vibe during interviews back in the day 😀
Absolutely one of the nicest guys you will ever meet at a race track! Great to see him still doing well!
Johnny's win at Rockingham is a feel-good clip that always brings me out of a funk. He's another case of the stats not reflecting the talent at least at the Cup level. That #10 Valvoline Grand Prix always stood out in a crowd. This video is a stellar follow up to the IROC festivities. Thank you guys for another golden nugget of racing history!
@@QuietDriver97 Well said man. If there were a list of those whos cup stats don’t reflect talent level he’s on it. Interesting that several of those guys who got the short end of the stick in cup absolutely tore up the truck series.
Awesome visit. I always admired this man. He always handled himself with honest integrity. Great job.
Thank you Robert!
I admired Johnny as well. He didn’t get the credit he deserved. Phenomenal wheelman.
Yeah these guys were real winners, raced with little to nothing and were still kicking butt. Weren't whiners or show boats that we have today in all series.
WoW What a great video...I really would have wanted to be a machinist but I never had the opportunity..It was always keep going to university and now I am finally building a machine shop and I am going to start building pre war race cars... These videos are so inspiring...
I grew up about 5 miles from the Benson speed shop. I used to ride my bike over to the shop just to catch a glimpse of what was going on there. I was a John Sr fan having watched him at Berlin for years. Later in my teens I was on a pit crew for a local racer who Sadly lost his life at Auto City speedway. We ran against Johnny Jr but I always admired him. I watched a NASCAR race at Richmond from Johnny's pit stall. Great video and great memories
Thank you , long time Johnny Benson fan!
Thank you Mike!
Absolutely the backbone of the history of short track and NASCAR racing
Well said! Especially the guys like John Sr
Most definitely. I'm from the Darlinton, S
C. area. Darlington was the first supersppedway, but short tracks were it. I wish they still were, better racing. People didn't get killed in short track racing, like the bigger ones.
What a darn nice man Johnny Benson is, down to earth honest human being !
This was absolutely FASCINATING. Im a supermod guy, so a lot of those stories "fill in blanks" of things I'd heard about for years.
And that Charlie Swartz story is PRICELESS.
Great job!
Thanks Ray!
Oh yeah, some old dirt late model guys would be a good run of videos. It would have been great to have the stories and talking to the Flintstone Flyer Mike Duvall before he passed.
There are tons of older dirt legends. Too many have gone and those racing stories weren't or have yet to be preserved sad to say.
CL Pritchett
Buck Simmons
Freddie Smith
Jack Pennington
Spiderman Bill Morgan
Rex Richey
HotRod Lamance
Ernest Steifel
Fulmer Lance
Ed Basey
CJ Rayburn
Booper Bare
Buddy Morris
Charlie Swartz and the mid engine wedge
I wish Johnny was still racing. True racer in his day.
i could listen to his storys all day
Class Act! Well done Mitchell! Despite being a huge Earnhardt fan, I will never forgot Johnny leading at Daytona (2000?) hoping he would be able to win it!
Keep the videos of Johnny benson coming this guy is big around this area
Johnny Benson is such a great guy. Always enjoyed watching him race and on Inside Winston Cup. Yes please do more videos with Johnny. Such a skilled guy and very down to earth.
Another pretty cool video. Unbelievable how creative Johnny and his dad were\are in manufacturing racing parts.
Couldn't agree more!
Have an entirely new respect for Johnny. Never knew he was so skilled.
Johnny Benson is a class act and a Great Guy.. Great Video Guys.
My hometown hero loved watching him race
It was great to see Johnny Benson, and his hometown shop always a great guy, and excellent driver.!!!🏁🏁
JB has always been a stand-up guy and a fair, clean racer.
These are the guys I respect!
Johnny is a grass roots racer , he’s done it all and understands every dynamic of a race car , plus has built every thing himself . Would have loved to have seen Him in one of the better teams , he had the talent ! Loved the 10 Valvolene car it was a ripper !
Thanks again to you and Logan of highlighting the greatest era of NASCAR , back when drivers earned their ticket to the top level !!
Thanks man!
Berlin is my home track! Absolutely love that place and love johnny benson too! Hope you guys had fun visiting west michigan!
Michigan racing history is DEEP. Lotta big name racing companies and drivers from here.
I’m over the border by an hour or so. Lots of names here also and Michigan drivers coming over.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids. Johnny Benson (Sr. & Jr.) were legends in the area. Super nice guy.
Met Johnny when he came to Calgary, Alberta with the ASA. Awesome guy who answered all the questions my then 10 year old son could think of.
Johnny Benson is a great guy I met him up here in New Hampshire a few years back . Thanks for sharing Mitchell you guys have a gift to nascar history
I live in Grand Blanc, Mi. About 2hrs from Grand Rapids. I was a big fan of Johnny, never knew he grew up in Michigan. I learned a lot from watching this. Thank you!
That's awesome! Michigan has a ton of great racing history.
Johnny you look great you are my favorite driver. I miss watching you.
“Can’t use dad’s gas cans in the upper lvls cause they pour too fast” wow something that is too fast for NASCAR made me laugh that was a gem!!!
That was a great video. What a stand up guy and family. Wish we had more time with him. What a work ethic. Thanks and greetings from California.
Awesome, what a great guy. Old school guy who earned it. Leaves a person with good character. Thanks again, you two did a great job. Fun to watch
Home run again. And yes I would love to see more about Johnny
Man, I know i am old because I haven't heard Johnny benson's name for a long time. Wow. thanks, man, for all of these great memories of sitting and grilling out and watching the race. And my buddy's drinking some beers and have just had a blast
Thanks man! Johnny is awesome
@@Stapleton42 he really is one of my favorite drivers
I’m 63 now. Think it kind of remarkable, how familiar many of these shops and stories seem, even for not having ever been there. Must be the flavor of things back in the day…
Thanks for doing this. Johnny was my favorite driver back in the early 2000s.
Great film. Born in Grand Rapids, My father took me to Berlin Raceway when i was growing up. Started in 69 i was 9 at the time. Brings back many memories. We had a nieghbor that had a speed shop for awhile on S. division ave. in Grand Rapids and he also ran at Berlin. Watched Johnny Benson Sr. win races forever, with all the other big names at the time, still have all the
souvenir programs from then. Followed Benson Jr. throughout his career into Nascar. wish he would have stayed longer. Berlin raceway and Kalamazoo speedway where the 2 tracks we would attend. Great times!
Thank you Greg we’re glad you’re here!
You asked for comments from people who watched your video. I watched the entire video, and I loved it! My first race fan experience would have been at Berlin Raceway, with my dad and my brother, and always rooting for John Benson Sr. Then following Johnny Jr. as he had so much success at Berlin, and moved to ASA, and then to the NASCAR world. It was just so special seeing a 'local' guy make it in the big time.
Thanks Mike glad you’re here!
Man I get so wrapped up in these types of videos. The older generation of drivers is so interesting! Keep up the great work!
Thanks Angus!!
One thing is consistent with that generation of racers. When you hired the driver you also received a master mechanic, fabricator, engineer, etc. You don’t see that around pavement racing garages today.
I really enjoy these videos and the appreciate the effort both Logan and you put in to making them.
Great point! Thanks man we appreciate you
I’m born and raised in Grand Rapids. I’ve always been a Johnny Benson fan. Alot of history with the Bensons and Sennekers. My father in law grew up around them and tells some funny stories about the Sennekers. The Speedrome was another local track before Berlin.
I always liked Johnny while he was in NASCAR. After seeing this, I have a much higher level of respect for him and what he has done. Great video Mitchell!!
I was in his fan club back in the day one of my favorite drivers can't wait for this video
The only fan club I ever was a member of - the fact that his sister ran it meant something to me.
I became a fan of Johnny's during SpeedWeeks of 2000. What a great performance in the unsponsored Tyler Jet car, then being in position to win the 500! His win at The Rock in '02 I still remember well, and of course the truck championship in '08. It was really cool to find out how hands-on he was, and still is to this day. Thanks for doing this one!
Thank you Greg!
Good ole Johnny from Grand Rapids. I am about 2.5 hrs away. Met him at the Berger Chevrolet dealership back in the early 2000's. Good guy.
My parents bought there 2002 35th Anniversary Camaro SS Brickyard 400 pace car there. Car number 22.
17:05 awesome seeing the thunderbird sign. I grew up a few miles away and would hear the cars echoing every weekend. Awesome video guys. Growing up in West Mi Johnny was the local guy to root for in nascar. I remember a local lube shop kept the a cutout of Johnny in their shop for years.
Same here lived out by Blue Lake, Thunderbird and Winston were the spots. Great video about our Michigan hero Johnny!
@@kyleanderson6505 yeah man I grew up off of Benston rd. Could hear it on calm nights.
JB is a class act. As real as a racer can be. I always thought Roush used his car as an experimental team, so running up front was often a challenge.
Yes plz more on what johnny is doing today!
I miss NASCAR drivers that were relatable people who had to climb they're way to the top series through craftsmanship.
Me too
Honestly I think of that red and white 21 asa car more often than not when I think of Johnny. Classy fellow and I pulled for him a lot.
Heck yeah we wanna see more Johnny. The guys a legend with great stories.
Nice to see Johnny real long time fan 😁 thank you guys for archiving all of this history. Johnny my hat's off to you and your father for the years of racing, and that darn work ethic 😂 we all about dead because that is all we knew was work 🤕 good day my friend 🏁👏🏼👏🏼🏁 thank you Stapleton's! I have always supported racing sponsors..must say from now on Pennzoil will be my product. You let the folks know we appreciate their participation in motor sports 👏🏼👏🏼
Awestruck seeing this. Benson Sr. Is the legend along with Senneker, Ruttman, Fair and many more. What an amazing tour, seeing the backstory of this great family. If Johnny has more to share, please do create more content. You are (or were) in a region of racing golden history. Nicely done!
Thanks Gary!
ASA raced on the half-mile at the Minnesota State Fair for a number of years (until 2002) and on the road course at the Brainerd International Raceway (1993 through 1995). After one of the Brainerd races, I was taking some pictures in the pits. I asked Johnny Benson if I could get one of him with his car. The rear of the car was jacked up and Johnny said "let me get it off the jack so it looks like a race car." As a young person, I was impressed with that and so Johnny Benson became my favorite driver as he moved on to the Busch Series and the Winston Cup series. I always liked his quiet demeanor unlike some drivers who seemed to be quite cocky and full of themselves. (This was another enjoyable and educational video. Even though Johnny was "my" driver, I knew little of his background and upbringing. It was fun to follow him around the shops today.)
Great story . My Dad ran super modified back in the sixties. We lived in Lansing so an hour away. I watched Johnny when he was younger around mid Michigan. Followed him through asa.. Nascar and always loved it. Local hero for us in mid Michigan.
Johnny got old like me nice to see he’s doing good. Just another great video from you. Always good to look at a beautiful young lady.
Great episode, Johnny was the nicest human I ever met back in the day in the racing world 👌🏼
You were in my hood! Well, old hood. I live about an hour away, but used to drive by there all the time on my way to class or work. Johnny Benson seams like one of the nicest fellers. Dude still shows up to race at Berlin once or twice a year. Thank you so much for the Michigan stock car history. Would love to see you do more on Michigan racing history. Anything from the 1948 Cadillac that raced in NASCAR to the Gold Cup power boat races in Detroit.
These stories are so amazing. You would never know how people made it. Johnny's father is a classic. He is very organized for someone who saves everything.
Well said! Usually people who keep everything are very messy 😂
Absolutely more videos with Johnny Benson. The car I remember most is the Pennzoil cup car.
This video was another absolutely awesome trip back in time and seeing ALL the equipment and buildings they have is fascinating. I really thought it was cool to see the ASA body panels in the attic, especially with the TNN decal on it!! Thanks Mitchell and Logan
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Johnny Benson is one of those old-school guys that you just can’t help but love and respect! Thank you for your tireless dedication Mitchell and Logan! Y’all make my entertainment so enjoyable and valuable (and educational). 😁👊💪
Thanks man!
Mitchell. I can’t thank you enough for these videos. It’s awesome that you are taking the time to show these great drivers that a lot of the new generations forgot about.
Very welcome!
For sure. My younger kids' generation have no clue about racing like I did growing up. I took my oldest to the races when I went to watch, and also when I raced. He never had the moth to a flame interest that I had. Too many distractions. Now that he's a young man all the tracks are closed and he takes interest and wants the old man and his uncle to get back into it.
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I remember making the annual two week mecca trip to Charlotte. Had the insert/ entry sheet they would hand out on Wednesday, the week of the Winston and for the 600.
I was a 7yr old boy, with Dad's robic stop watch, timing two cars at a time during practice and single car qualifying average speeds, writing it down to figure out and tell my old man who's going to be bumped to round 2 qualifying (day 2).
Memorized the line up sheets, the sponsors, the car owners, the numbers, the drivers hometown, the teams hometown. . Watched the names of many legends change in those inserts through the couple of decades. I remember the distinct sounds of a single cup car hauling the mail down the back stretch of CMS. And hearing when a guy lifted and got back on the gas in 3/4. And you knew when a guy was not gonna make the show or he was gonna be on the pole.
Great show. I had no idea Benson started at such a young age. They were really really old school racers.🎯👍
Always liked Johnny Benson. This video reinforced why.
I was born in Kalamazoo, MI. My dad lived in Grand Rapids on Brenton rd. In the 1990's he owned all the Great Lakes Car Washes. I was always a big Johnny Benson fan, but never knew he lived in Grand Rapids!!!
My father grew up down the street from JB senior and used to go peak in the shop windows at the race cars. Cool to see this video!
Great tour of the Benson Racing family shops. One of the coolest guys in the sport and a Michigan driver. I wished he won a WC race at MIS , that would have been awesome. Excellent video
He is the real deal. What a great interview! We are blessed to be local and you only hear positive things when the family name comes up.
Good ol mom is worried about the upstairs being messy in a race shop. You two are making such killer content and contacts as you go. I think you'll keep getting doors opened to you because as the more people see you're product and the respect and curiosity you both show makes the folks more at ease and will tell others that they I did a video with this fella and his gal and they were great we need to get them together with you. keep doing what you're doing we'll keep watching and supporting ya
Thanks man!
Thank you so much for doing this video I'm in michigan myself and Johnny benson is a legend in michigan and an even nicer guy
johnny is a great guy. he was the only guy to come race rc cars with us kids at oktoberfest in la crosse wi. i was young and still remember that
Johnny has always been a class act.
Johnny is a super guy and underrated!
Probably my new favorite video.
Such an outstanding job showing the roots of these ol skool guys and what they did and still do.
What a neat story. The notes to tell folks I am out back by the corn.. priceless.
It reminds me of my Dad who’s 84. Ol skool greaser that has built some neat stuff in his day.
Great job once again, thank you guys.
Grew up in Grand Rapids area watching Johnny and his dad. Great people and drivers! Very innovative and great clean drivers. Great video! Loved it!
I remember Johnny well, dirt tracks, ASA at Many and in Pennzoil cars or as Busch series in Lipton car, nice to see this, I live 2 hrs from here and still Go to Berlin,Owosso, and dirtvtracks. I'm 73 and been car nuts my whole life. Nice to see him doing well, would die for his shop!!
Man JB looks great. In his NASCAR prime, we nicknamed him the Lawyer. Tall, slim, glasses, and just looked official. We'll, we thought it was funny. Always loved Johnny Benson and learning his history and seeing the ole shop is so cool. Thanks as always for all you and Logan do.
I can see that 😂 he does look very professional
I don’t live to far the benson home I seen him at a store one afternoon and thought thats JB I didn’t bother him but it was cool seeing him I miss the old nascar don’t watch it anymore but man the old days motors roaring the smell the people #3 lol just miss it
21. ..Asa.
Great outstanding comprehensive collection of fascinating items from a time capsule of a house/ shop /shato ..🎉 look forward to Alan's story as well.
This video is one of your best, waaaaay different than I was expecting, didn’t know he was so hands on, I knew the name but didn’t pay much attention to him, great job!! Keep it up
Glad you enjoyed!
I absolutely loved this video!! I always liked Johnny & mainly remember him driving the #10 Valvoline car! I think he was one of the most underrated drivers in NASCAR!!! He was an amazing driver & always seemed to be an amazing person also!! I also looked forward to watching Johnny, Allen Bestwick, Michael Waltrip & Ken Schrader on their show Inside Winston Cup Racing on the SPEED Channel!! It was always entertaining & fun to watch!! Thanks again for such an incredible video!!
When I hear Johnny Benson's name, the image of the yellow Penzoil car with the rear bumper on the ground at talladega, pops in my mind. Always liked that man. Great video!
Johnny Benson was one of those guy's you wanted great thing for I remember him back in the day I surly wished he could have experienced more success in NASCAR Cup, he still is a great driver and an awesome person...
From maine. Love your videos. My wife and I help crew and travel with a supermodified team from maine around 2009 and 2010. Was at Burlin speedway in 09 the night johnny had his bad firy wreck. True racing family for sure. Ty
Awesome video watch the whole thing shared it with my dad and my family. My grandpa actually raced with Johnny’s dad and super modified at Berlin. my dad raced at Berlin when Johnny was there. I now live a mile from the track love the area. Love the race track lotta history here year love seeing Johnny and a super modified.
A somewhat forgotten Cup driver,you have brought back some good memories !
Lets see more