Johnson signs Community Covenant

Jerick Johnson, driver of the American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, finished 26th in the July 31 Weis Markets 125 ARCA race at Pocono Raceway. The-50 lap, 125-mile race was the 11th event in the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards. He qualified 30th, placing him outside the 15th row on the starting grid.Johnson currently is 17th in ARCA Championship Points, up from 18th place. He is also contending for both the Hard Charger and Rookie of the Year honors.

Prior to the race, Johnson participated in a Community Covenant signing in nearby Lewisburg, Pa. The purpose of the Community Covenant - signed by Lewisburg's mayor, representatives of the Pennsylvania National Guard, officers and members from surrounding American Legion posts, Legion Riders and the driver of the 76 Freedom Car - was to publicly demonstrate mutual support for servicemembers and their families living in Lewisburg, New Berlin and the surrounding communities.

"By signing this covenant, we have pledged our mutual support between our men and women in uniform, our communities and The American Legion," said Scot Miller, a member of the Legion's national staff. "This is not something new for The American Legion, Lewisburg or New Berlin. It's what we do, it's who we are, and it has been so since The American Legion was founded in 1919. By this formal ceremony today, we reaffirm our commitment to the men and women serving on active duty. We hope to make this covenant meaningful by ensuring that The American Legion is meaningful in every community,"

Following the ceremony, participants - including Lewisburg Mayor Judy Wagner - and fans gathered around Johnson and the 76 Freedom Car for a chance to get up-close glimpse of the car and an autograph and picture with the driver.

Team Johnson Motorsports and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car's next race will take them to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., to compete in the Aug. 27 Ansell Protective Gloves 150, which is also part of the 2010 ARCA Racing Series. The 150-mile, 100-lap race is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., and will be televised live on SPEED.