By Past National Commander Butch Miller

Team Johnson Motorsports and driver, Jerick Johnson, brought the American Legion/David Law Firm Chevy to Indianapolis on June 11, for a weekend tribute to our veterans and the survivors of the USS Indianapolis. 

Thursday, June 11, started with a show car, driver appearance along with a social event that was hosted by Wayne American Legion Post #64, Indianapolis.  The social event was held in honor of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis tragedy with survivors Donald L. Beaty and James E. O'Donnell in attendance.  Team Johnson Motorsports (TJM) had decided The American Legion Freedom Car would carry a unique decal on the hood, recognizing the survivors at the event and over the weekend.  Both survivors signed the decal which was located on the front of the hood for all to see.

Post 64 Commander Kenny Hoffman presented TJM with a donation to help cover the team's traveling expenses.  Team driver Jerick Johnson thanked the Post for their support and both Jerick and Stuart Lewis, an attorney at The David Law Firm, were able to address the crowd on the upcoming race and how The American Legion/David Law Firm car is supporting and helping our veterans throughout the nation.

The next two days were spent at the race track.  Friday was practice day where the team worked on the setup of the race car for Saturday.  The forecast was not looking good for Saturday and a rain delay did come into play, however, the rain did not deter The American Legion volunteers from giving handouts to the spectators and talking to fans at The American Legion/David Law Firm booth that was located at the front gate of the grandstand.

After the rain delay the fans were ready to see some racing.  Thirty-four cars would try to make the main event, starting only 26 cars.  By a two lap qualifying time and/or racing your way in the field would place you in the main event. Jerick Johnson and the Freedom Car raced their way in and made it into the field with exciting fashion by winning the GMPP Shootout and going to victory lane.  After all the pictures and presentations it was time to get ready for the main event.

The pre-race ceremony of the Gleaners 200 began which featured The American Legion Riders (ALR) on Indiana, lead by Rick Haberman, State Communications Director for the ALR.  The bikers circled the ORP track, and then presented a folded flag to the Color Guard Unit, in recognition of all those that have served our Nation, especially those that have given the last full measure of devotion.  The Color Guard Unit ceremony was provided by Wortman-Lowe Enduring Freedom Marine Corp League Detachment #1263, from Morristown, IN.

After TJM won the qualifying race, the team was excited about the main event only to be disappointed by a motor problem early in the race rendering them to a 25th place finish.  The difference continues to be the quality of the mechanical resources, NOT in the quality of the human resources. 

The next scheduled race for the American Legion #76 Freedom Car will be on July 4, 2009, at Rockingham Raceway, in Rockingham, NC.

2009 ASA Challenge Series Schedule

July 4th                        Rockingham Raceway                        Rockingham, NC

July 18th                      Salem Speedway                                 Salem, IN

August 1st                    Bristol Motor Speedway                     Bristol, TN

August 15th                  Nashville Superspeedway                  Nashville, TN

September 12th                Gateway International Raceway          St. Louis, MO

September 19th                Iowa Speedway                                   Newton, IA

November 7th              Memphis Motorsports Park                Memphis, TN