Johnny Benson

Born Jonathan Benson Jr. on June 27, 1963 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the driver popularly known as Johnny Benson has become one of the most accomplished drivers that the NASCAR world and the racing circuits have known in recent history. Benson entered the American Speed Association (ASA) in 1990, and he quickly made his mark, being dubbed Rookie of the Year. Only three years, he would go on to win the ASA championship. After such an auspicious start, Benson made his Busch Series debut in 1993 at the Michigan International Speedway driving the #41 Delco Remy Chevrolet for Ernie Irvan.

He was then recruited to drive the #74 Chevrolet full time for BACE the following year, winning his first career race at the SplitFire 200, finishing the season in the sixth place and winning the Rookie of the Year distinction. The next season would prove even more fruitful, scoring early victories at Atlanta and Hickory, in addition to nineteen top-tens, which ultimately earned him the Busch championship trophy. Shortly thereafter, Benson also entered the Truck Series races where he achieved some success before moving to the Winston Cup Series in 1996, when he joined the Pennzoil team to drive the #30. Once again, Benson won the Rookie of the Year distinction for the NASCAR Winston Cup.

He also participated at the International Race of Champions that same year, finishing third in the final points and in the top-ten in all four races. For the following seasons, Benson would go on to drive for Roush Racing, Tyler Jet Motorsports, MB2 Motorsports, Marsh Racing, and Phoenix Racing. He then returned to the Craftsman Truck Series with Bill Davies Racing #23 truck, winning his first race at the 2006 Con-way Freight 200 at the Michigan International Speedway, becoming one of the select few drivers to have won a race in all three of NASCAR major series, while occasionally appearing at the Busch Series. His Busch Series record includes 4 wins, 41 top-tens and 1 pole.