Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

I just recieved the sad news that longtime Div. 6 Stock & Super Stock racer and engine builder, Richard Johnston passed away this morning. "R.J." as he was best known, most recently ran his 85 Oldsmobile (ex Popular Hot Rodding`s "Project O" project car) in SS/GTIA, he also ran a 68 Nova in D/SA before that, but Rick will always be best known for his 55 &56 Chevy 265 powered cars that he ran in the 70`s & 80`s. His SS/NA 56 sedan was a many time record holder, and it was with this car that he toured to most of the NHRA National events almost 30 years ago during a year long racing vacation. That year Rick was the #1 qualifier at the majority of the races that he attended. Rick was 59 years old, and a lifelong Richmond BC Canada resident. I will post the details of a memorial for Rick as the information becomes available. RIP Rick.

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

My condolences and simpathy for the Johnston family. Rick was a great racer and person; he will be missed. Godspeed.

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

I remember Rick's shoeboxes back in the day,,even have a few photos. I think his 56 was the first car around div.6 to have a trans brake. I can remember us in the stands, listening to the revs come up and shaking our heads after he launched,because we all knew it was a 'glide car. So down to the pits we went and checked it out,,I believe this was late 70s. My condolences to his family.
Danny Durham

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

godspeed my friend you will be missed

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

Our sincere condolences to Dee and all the Johnston family. We're thinking about you.
Chuck & Sandy

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

Sorry to hear of this sad news. I never had a chance to meet Rick but can say he was willing to help (via e-mails and by telephone) and it was much appreciated. Rick was able to help get us pointed in the right direction, without question. I watched from a distance as that 55 was the class of the field, no doubt one who had a long time passion for the sport as I'm sure in life. Please pass on our best wishes from Tempe Arizona.

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

That's a bummer. My condolences to Dee and Ken and Jim and the rest of the family. I first met him in the late 70's and even though he was a Chevy guy he did a great job on building my Ford 427 which is still together and racing. He said it was the first one he'd done and he had to learn about the relief valve stuff. He had a 390 in his Ford ramptruck back then.

Rory forgot about his stint in Comp with a 4 banger dragster.

He was a great guy and i'll miss him . He spent his last year enjoying himself in the sun. Hard to tell he was even white any more! :)

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.Rick Johnston
 

A Celebration of Life memorial for Rick Johnston will be held this Sunday Jan. 18th 2009, at St.Annes Anglican Church, 4071 Francis Road (near #1 Rd.) in Richmond B.C. Canada, from 3.30-5.00PM.

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

Here is an old picture I found from National Dragster.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...cturea2225.jpg

Rest in peace Mr. Johnston.

Re: Longtime S-S/S racer passes.
 

This is very sad news to hear, RJ was a great guy and packed with knowledge! Whenever I asked him a question he always found time to answer. Awesome guy, goin miss him. RIP RJ

Justin Gallant