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Bobby Johns
Bobby Johns
Bobby Johns
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Bobby Johns

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Bobby Johns is an American race car driver known for his accomplishments in the NASCAR Grand National Series during the 1950s and 1960s, including two race victories and strong performances in the Daytona 500, as well as for becoming one of the earliest stock car racers to compete at the Indianapolis 500. Born on May 22, 1932, in Miami, Florida, Johns grew up immersed in racing as the son of midget racer Socrates “Shorty” Johns and began his own career on Florida short tracks before advancing to NASCAR. He achieved notable success in the series, highlighted by a second-place finish in the 1960 Daytona 500 and a third-place result in the 1965 Daytona 500 while driving for Holman-Moody. His two Grand National victories included wins in the Atlanta 500 and Bristol 500. Johns made history as the first NASCAR driver to race at Indianapolis, finishing seventh in the 1965 Indianapolis 500 driving for Team Lotus and tenth in 1969, with top-ten results in both of his official starts. After retiring from competition, he operated a Firestone and racing tire business in Miami for many years. Bobby Johns passed away suddenly at his home in Miami on March 7, 2016, at the age of 83.

Early life

Birth and background

Bobby Johns was born on May 22, 1932, in Miami, Florida. He resided in Miami throughout his early years and entire life. Johns graduated from Miami Tech High and later served in the United States Army. His father was midget racer Socrates “Shorty” Johns, who introduced him to the sport. As a teenager, Bobby accompanied his father to racing events, including a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1948. Public sources provide few additional verified details about his childhood or other pre-professional activities beyond this family influence, reflecting the limited records available on his early life.

Career

Bobby Johns began his racing career on short tracks in Florida during the 1950s, following in the footsteps of his father, midget racer Socrates “Shorty” Johns. He advanced to the NASCAR Grand National Series, where he secured two victories: the Atlanta 500 and the Bristol 500. Johns achieved notable results in the Daytona 500, finishing second in 1960 and third in 1965 while driving for Holman-Moody. He also made history as one of the earliest stock car racers to compete at the Indianapolis 500, finishing seventh in 1965 driving for Team Lotus and tenth in 1969, with top-ten results in both of his official starts. His earliest media appearances were as himself in television coverage of motorsports, including an episode of ABC's Wide World of Sports in 1964 and a 1965 Indianapolis 500 TV special. There is no documented involvement in motion picture stunts, acting roles, or Hollywood productions. After retiring from professional racing in the early 1970s, Johns returned to Miami, Florida, where he operated a Firestone and racing tire business for many years, drawing on his motorsports experience. He remained connected to the racing community, regularly attending reunions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Personal life

Family and personal details

Little public information is available about Bobby Johns' private life, as he maintained a low profile outside his racing career. He was born in Miami, Florida, and was the son of midget racer Socrates “Shorty” Johns. After retiring from competition, he resided in Miami, where he operated a Firestone and racing tire business for many years. He passed away at his home in Miami on March 7, 2016. No reliable sources provide details on any spouse, children, or other family members beyond his father.

Death

Bobby Johns passed away suddenly on March 7, 2016, at his home in Miami, Florida, at the age of 83. His death was noted in motorsport circles, including an appreciation from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway highlighting his pioneering contributions to NASCAR and IndyCar racing. No cause of death was publicly disclosed.
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