Big R: Johnson, Chrysler to team up for 2013 season

by Tana Robinson

Ransomville Speedway

Marketing & PR Director

Current Ransomville Speedway competitor Randy Chrysler has announced that he will field a DIRTcar 358 Modified ride for DIRTcar superstar Danny Johnson at Ransomville Speedway for the 2013 season.

Johnson, of Rochester, is a six time modified champion at Ransomville. He is electrifying to watch on the Ransomville Speedway oval and often uses the famed front stretch moat as a way to advance through the field. Johnson comes into the 2013 season as the only winner of the Battle at the Border event, which has been hosted in July for the past three years.

"I would like to thank Randy for his hospitality," said Johnson at this past weekend's Motorsports 2013 event, which was held in Philadelphia. "Randy has always been a great friend of mine, and I hope to give him a track championship."

For the past couple of seasons, Chrysler has been giving Johnson a hand on a part-time basis, allowing Johnson and car owner Mike Payne the opportunity to use his equipment when needed.

"I first met Danny Johnson at Ransomville Speedway in 1990, said Chrysler in a recent interview. "I went over to introduce myself and he was so polite to me. Danny still acts that same way today. When Danny sees my mother in the pit area, he always sits down and talks to her. That goes a long way with me. He's just a nice guy."

Mike Payne will continue on as crew chief. The deal to officially put Johnson and Chrysler together came this past November when both parties sat down to discuss the 2013 season.

"Technically, Mike Payne has helped us so much," says Chrysler. "We won races at Mercer, Little Valley and Pittsburgh and it was their help that was responsible for that."

Chrysler adds his faith in God also helped him make the decision as well.

Helping out with sponsorship is LAX Press, Page's Trucking, and Three Tusky Inc.

Turning wrenches includes crew chief Mike Payne, Dave Botsford, Dave Fauzy, Clyde VanEvery and Jim Herbst.

Johnson will join a stout field of competitors all looking to take home the 2013 Stanley's Cup crown.

Pit note: Reminder, Big R's annual membership and rules meeting is Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Lewiston No. 2 Volunteer Fire Co. firehall, 1705 Saunders Settlement Road, Lewiston.

For more on the Big R, visit www.ransomvillespeedway.com.