AT&T 250 - Jerick Johnson Notes

Jerick Johnson and American Legion Racing to Debut at Milwaukee
"We're ready to compete and very excited to get our race car on the track."

Jerick Johnson makes his NASCAR Busch series debut this weekend during the AT&T 250 at the Milwaukee Mile. Driving the American Legion Racing No. 76 "Freedom" Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Johnson is supported by the experienced crew at MacDonald Motorsports.

Johnson, a 26-year-old native of Minnesota , is thrilled to be making his first Busch series start at Milwaukee . "I am incredibly excited about this opportunity," says Johnson. "This is big time auto-racing. [They] asked if I wanted to go racing this weekend and I said 'Hell, yeah!'"

For Johnson, just getting to start in the race is a big deal. "The [Busch] series isn't just a stepping stone to the next level of racing anymore. It is its own elite series," he says. "Every team out there is tough now. Making the show is like winning when you're racing against some of the best drivers in NASCAR."

Johnson, who currently resides in Mooresville , NC with his wife, Tammy, and their 10-month-old daughter, Jadyn, has previously raced in the ARCE series is a back-to-back points champion in the A.M.C.O series, securing the title in 2001 and 2002. He was awarded Rookie of the Years honors in 2001 and went on to also win consecutive track championships in 2001 and 2002 at the Mizzou Speedway.

About the sponsor, American Legion, Johnson says, "Wartime Era veterans of all ages have shown their support and enthusiasm for NASCAR. The American Legion Freedom Car is our way of saying 'Thank You' to the 2.7 million current American Legion members and today's service men and women for serving our country and for their continued support of this great American past time." Jerick is actively involved in the Sons of the American Legion, while his father, Jack, is an active member of the American Legion.

Qualifying for the AT&T 250 begins Saturday at 6:00 PM EST on Speed. Race coverage begins at 8:00 PM EST on FX.