Johnny Benson

About Johnny Benson

Jonathan Benson, Jr. (born June 27, 1963 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a NASCAR driver and the son of former Michigan modified driver John Benson, Sr. His career highlights include the 1993 American Speed Association AC-Delco Challenge series championship, the 1995 Busch Series championship, the 1996 Winston Cup NASCAR Rookie of the Year award, and the 2008 Craftsman Truck Series championship. Despite being the defending champion, Benson is currently a free agent.

Johnny Benson, Jr. was late model champion at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan before joining the American Speed Association (ASA) in 1990, During Benson Jr's rookie season in the ASA he captured one pole position, led 174 laps and scored eight top 10 finishes to blitz the competition for the ASA"s Pat Schauer rookie of the Year award . In 1991 Benson compiled 13 top 10's including four second place finishes. Benson ranked fourth in the ASA AC-Delco Challenge Series in 1991. Benson later when on to win the 1993 American Speed Association (ASA) champion. During his time in the ASA series he drove the # 21 Valvoline Chevrolet for Throop Motorsports.

In 1993, Benson made his Busch Series debut at Michigan International Speedway, driving the #41 Delco Remy Chevrolet for Ernie Irvan. He started 20th, but finished 40th after an early crash. He ran three more races that season in the #74 Staff America Chevy for BACE Motorsports, qualifying third at Hickory Motor Speedway. His best finish was an eighteenth at Atlanta Motor Speedway.