Junior Johnson: The Last American Hero

Junior Johnson, the legendary NASCAR driver, lived a life filled with both triumphs and controversies. Hailing from Rhonda, NC, Junior was born into a family deeply involved in the moonshining business. His upbringing was far from ordinary, as he witnessed the dramatic events surrounding his family's moonshine operations from a young age.

In a historic event that shook the nation, Federal Agents discovered and seized a staggering 7,000 gallons of moonshine at the Johnson farm. This marked the largest moonshine bust in U.S. history, and it had a profound impact on Junior's life. His father, Robert, paid a heavy price for his involvement in the moonshining business and spent around twenty years behind bars.

Junior himself had a brush with the law and faced imprisonment after being arrested for operating an illegal moonshining still. From 1956 to 1957, he served a one-year sentence in an Ohio prison. However, it was during his years of transporting bootleg liquor that Junior showcased his exceptional driving skills and managed to elude the authorities time and time again. He had a knack for outmaneuvering the police, and he never lost a game of chicken with them.

One of Junior's most daring maneuvers was the infamous "Bootleg U-Turn." This daring stunt involved executing a swift 180-degree turn while staying on the road, enabling him to quickly change direction and evade pursuit. Such extraordinary driving abilities greatly contributed to his unparalleled record of outrunning the police. Junior also used crafty tactics, such as listening to the police radio, to stay one step ahead of their plans. He would deliberately go to the area where the authorities intended to set up a stakeout, leaving an empty car behind to taunt them. He even went as far as acquiring a police siren to trick the officers into joining him on a fabricated chase.

Junior's success extended beyond the moonshine business. He had an outstanding career as a NASCAR driver, amassing an impressive 50 victories before retiring in 1966. In the following years, he transitioned into a NASCAR racing team owner and continued to achieve remarkable triumphs. He guided Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip to NASCAR championships in the 1970s and 1980s, solidifying his status as a racing legend.

Junior was also known as the pioneer of the drafting technique in stock car racing. This strategic maneuver involved drivers closely following one another to reduce drag and gain a competitive edge. His contributions to the sport earned him the nickname "The Last American Hero." Junior's impact on NASCAR racing is undeniable, and his legacy will forever be intertwined with the history of the sport.

Outside of racing, Junior ventured into the business world. In collaboration with Piedmont Distillers of Madison, North Carolina, he introduced "Midnight Moon Moonshine" in May 2007. This partnership not only highlighted his enduring connection to his moonshining roots but also allowed him to share his passion with others. Junior's involvement in this venture showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to keep the moonshining tradition alive.

On December 20th, 2019, Junior Johnson passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of motorsports. While his moonshining escapades and checkered past remain part of his compelling story, it is his remarkable achievements and lasting impact on NASCAR racing that continue to resonate with fans and racing enthusiasts to this day. Junior Johnson will forever be remembered as a true icon of American racing history, a man who defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the sport he loved.