Armstrong actually passed Johnson for third briefly at one point in the race’s second half, but Johnson held steadfast and stayed cool, ultimately retaking the position and defending the bottom lane fiercely all the way to the finish.
“It was enough, but man, I knew they were right there,” admitted Johnson. “I’m honestly not too sure how I held everyone off at the end, to be honest with you. I was watching the big TV quite a bit, trying to make sure that I knew who was in fourth. I was confident that as long as (Caleb) Armstrong was in fourth, he wasn’t going to be able to go around me on the outside.”
“The last restart I just stuck to my guns and putted around the bottom. I knew Hines was fast, and I know how good he is as a racer. He’s a hero of mine. But I knew how badly I wanted to put this thing in the show and I focused on that. Thankfully it worked out in our favor, and man, I’m so blessed to be standing here.”
As Johnson soaked in the moment, he reminded everyone of his immense respect for the drivers he locked in alongside of, as well as the ones he beat to do so.
“These guys are good, the best at what they do. To be up here alongside of them is super special for me. They’re great racers and they’re great people, as well. It’s an honor to stand with (Bell and Golobic) and know I’ll be racing them Saturday night.”
Even as the moment finally began to set in, Johnson reiterated how grateful he was to have the opportunity.
“This is just so humbling, really,” he said. “I know I’ve said that already tonight, but it really, really is. To lock in, it just makes your week 10 times easier, and now I can kick my feet up and relax.”
“There’s no more stress, there’s no more worrying about the path to get to the finale … we’re there, and I can’t wait to strap in Saturday night and give it all I’ve got to try and win the Chili Bowl.”
And for those who know Johnson’s story, they know he wasn’t racing just for himself and his team.
The Penngrove, California native carried two angels along with him into the Chili Bowl A-Main on Thursday night, honoring the memories of Dale Wondergem Jr. and his cousin Marcus Johnson — both tragically lost in an accident in March of 2013 during the Civil War Series opener at Marysville Raceway Park.
Five years removed from the ache of that moment, Johnson was able to smile knowing he did them proud in Tulsa.
“I can promise you they’re looking down grinning,” he said. “This is a special moment for everyone.”
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 24-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: [email protected]
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: [email protected]
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