Bobby Johns Dies At Age 83

Longtime NASCAR racer Bobby Johns passed away Monday in his hometown of Miami, Florida at the age of 83.  

Johns raced in NASCAR’s premier series from 1956 to 1969 seasons, recording two wins in 141 career starts. His first win came in the 1960 Atlanta 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with his other trip to Victory Lane coming at Bristol Motor Speedway in the 1962 Volunteer 500. His best finish in the championship standings came in 1960, when he finished third.   

Johns was also an established talent in Open Wheel racing, winning a pair of races on the old AAA and USAC Champ Car Series. He also attempted to qualify for seven Indianapolis 500s for a list of owners that included Smokey Yunick, Rolla Vollstedt and Jack Brabham. He qualified twice, finishing seventh in 1965 – after starting 22^nd – and 10^th in 1969.