Freedom Car races for rookie honors

Jerick Johnson, driving The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, will race in an historic contest at Memphis Motorsports Park Nov. 7. The American Speed Association Late Model Challenge Series will not only conclude its 2009 season at the three-quarter-mile short track oval, but the 300-lap race will be the last event held at the historic Tennessee track.Johnson heads into the Kings Ransom 300 in 10th place in driver points and second place in rookie points – five points out of ninth place and first place, respectively.“It’s been a year of growth for us,” Johnson said after the Sept. 19 race at Iowa Speedway. “We have competed in the entire Late Model Challenge Series, and we are a stronger team today than we were at the season opener May 17 at the Milwaukee Mile.”Johnson said he will “give it all we’ve got “ at Memphis to cap the season on a positive note and to carry momentum into the 2010 season. “And Memphis is going to be a great place to put our best foot forward,” he said.Indeed, Memphis is the perfect place for the Team Johnson Motorsports crew and driver to shine. The 76 Freedom Car will carry a live-action camera from FOX Television, and the race will be broadcast to 52 million homes on FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Florida and America One television network.“The television coverage will give us an excellent opportunity to get some solid air time and exposure for The American Legion and the David Law Firm,” Johnson said. “We want to stay up front to show our race fans what we can do, as well as to climb up the series points and maybe capture the rookie title. That would be the perfect ending to our season.”