Junior thanks his best mate and dad Dick Johnson
6/9/2004 13:02 (Press Release) -
Father and son they might be but Dick and Steve Johnson are better mates than anything else. In the high octane pressure of V8 Supercars where relationships tend to suffer, the Johnson's easily hold everything together.
"I consider myself pretty fortunate to be working with my dad," Steve Johnson said.
"There are a lot of people that couldn't do what we do and pull it off.
"But we're good mates and both of us have got a lot of respect and pride in each other and that helps us a lot."
Steve Johnson grew up around the petrol fumes and fenders of top flight motorsport, following his famous dad from track to track and then into the cockpit himself.
"I've been lucky to have the perfect role model in dad," Johnson said.
"I admire dad so much for what he has achieved, but more importantly how he did it.
"Dad put his heart and sole into his racing and worked his guts out. Nothing was ever handed to him, every car he raced he owned which is very different to today.
"The drivers back then did it hard. Dad was driver, mechanic, panel beater and truck driver; a lot of people forget that."
When Steve Johnson decided to have a crack at motor racing he did so with the blessing of his dad.
"I could have done anything I wanted and dad would have been happy, but when I decided to drive dad was right behind me," Johnson said.
"In my rookie years dad was my mechanic, he gave advice and steered me in the right direction.
"But he has always allowed me to feel my way through. He had a lot on his plate when he was racing which was good for me because it forced me to take responsibility for myself. But he was always supportive.
Even now Steve Johnson leans on his father for direction.
"Dad is always there for me, and I'm thankful for that," Johnson said.
"He knows when to say things and when not to, he's my sounding board, adviser, best mate and dad, I couldn't ask for more."
Like all parents Dick Johnson keeps close tabs on his son.
"When Steve walks out the front door I worry, it's because I am a parent," Dick Johnson said.
"It doesn't matter if he's heading down to the supermarket or doing 300-kilometres an hour at Bathurst.
"As a parent you want to be there for your family, help them, nurture their talents strengthen their weaknesses and teach them a thing or two. It doesn't matter if they are two and in the backyard pool or driving a V8 Supercar, you want to be there.
"Steve knows that he can come to me anytime, whether it is at home or at the track and talk to me about anything, private life or career, I'll help him as best I can."
Dick Johnson has one dream for his son and that's for him to realise his dreams.
"Steve is capable of doing anything he wants if he puts his mind to it," Dick Johnson said.
"I want him to fulfil his dreams not mine, as long as he is happy then I am happy.
"I found out that I am going to be a grand dad the other day and I am thrilled; he'll make a wonderful father.
"Steve told me that he'd never push his kids into motorsport, they could do whatever they want and I've been the same with him.
"Steve could drop out of motorsport tomorrow and become a bank clerk, what ever he wants, as long as he's fulfilled."
Father's Day is this Sunday and Steve Johnson will be driving at the Sandown 500 V8 Supercar event next Sunday, with Dick proudly watching on.
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