Rain postpones Greenville race
76 Freedom Car driver Jerick Johnson signs autographs for veterans and staff at Greenville, S.C., VA Outpatient Clinic Photo by James V. Carroll

Rain postpones Greenville race

Jerick Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car team traveled to Greenville, S.C., last week to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Greenville Pickens Speedway. But Mother Nature had other plans.

A steady downpour last Saturday postponed the race a week. The 150-lap competition will get under way at 8 p.m. April 2, weather permitting.

“We were really excited to try out the Greenville Pickens track,” Johnson said. “This is the first time we have seen the track. But, I guess that is just one of those racing deals. We’ll be back next Saturday.”

While the race may have been postponed, Johnson and the 76 Freedom Car team were busy earlier in the week visiting the Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic and Legionnaires at Greenville Legion Post 3. Both events were well attended and Johnson was busy signing autograph cards and posing for pictures.

“It’s really fun to get to meet race fans,” Johnson said at the Greenville VA Clinic. “It’s especially rewarding to me to get to chat with veterans, both healthy and those needing medical care. It reminds me that I have a lot to be thankful for because of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who are serving or who served in the military.”

The Johnson family is an American Legion Family. Johnson’s dad and team owner, Jack Johnson, is a military veteran and a member of The American Legion. His mother, Debby, is a Legion Auxiliary member and driver Johnson is a member of The Sons of The American Legion.

The 76 Freedom Car team also dined and visited with members of Greenville American Legion Post 3. The team was escorted to the post by a contingent of Chapter 3 Legion Riders. Dave Schuppert, the road captain for the escort, was very excited that Johnson and the 76 Freedom Car team took time to visit the post and its members.

“This whole thing is a lot of fun,” Schuppert said.” A lot of us have never seen a racecar up close. It is really interesting.”

South Carolina Department Commander Cecil Phillips did more than look at the 76 Freedom Car. He climbed into the driver’s seat without any difficulty. “I guess that’s the easy part,” a thrilled Phillips said. “Now I have to get out.”

Department Adjutant Jimmy Hawk took one look at the size of the driver’s side window and said, “No way am I fitting in that car.”