FOX23 Community

Growing up in this area, I used to go to the tracks - Albany Saratoga and Fonda mostly - and some of the memories I have are of C.D. Coville (my Dad's favorite driver), the great Lou Lazzaro, Larry and Ray Dalmata in the #644 and #643 and of course, Jack Johnson.

I just remember my father telling me his nickname - "Jumpin'" Jack.  Being all of about 8, I thought that was the coolest thing there was.  Now that we have a show that is dedicated to auto racing and more specifically local dirt racing, I get to go talk to Jack and it never ceases to be fun. 

I talked to Jerry Krug earlier this year and told him what a big Jack fan I was and how I used to follow him when I was growing up and how I would paint my matchbox modifieds all the different dirt drivers like Lazzaro, Dave Lape, Mike Romano and Jack.  He probably thought I was a nut, but to anyone out there who has a favorite driver or athlete, if you could "work with" them on a regular basis you would consider it a treat.  Every time I get to talk to Jack, it is just that.

We don't know how long he will continue to race - this is the 40th Anniversary of when he started - but to see that familiar #12a out there on a regular basis, it brings me back to my youth and when my father and I would sit in the stands and we would see who could pick the most winners in all the races - heats, consi's and features combined.  I just remember looking for certain drivers...i.e. Mike Romano, Lou, Lape and of course Jack.  My dad would always let me pick first, so of course I would pick these guys - or whoever was on the front row with the nicest car.

Now that I get to attend the races for my job, it is still awe inspiring for me to walk past the #12a of Jack's in the pits and say "Hi" to him. Here's hoping Jack keeps it up and has fun doing it. 

I am glad that I grew up watching Michael Jordan play basketball.  I can tell my kids I saw him play, he was the best and there will never again be another M.J.  I can say the same for Jack.  I grew up watching the best and there will never, ever again be another Jumpin' Jack Johnson.  Enjoy the ride everyone.  It's been great so far.

Scott, although I am most likely a little older than you, you echo my sentiments here.  I can remember going to Fonda in the late sixties and early seventies.  Jack used to get boo'd all of the time.  No one at that time gave him his due.  You used to hear  things like " he has better equipment", "more money", etc.  Funny how times change....Now he is just about everyones favorite.....and rightfully so.  Heres hoping he stays around a few more years!

I too am a die hard Jack Johnson fan and still am although I am unable to attend any more because my husband became ill and since have lost him a year ago. We used to sit in the second row (only because my husband's legs were to long to sit in the front row) at Fonda and we had our own Jumpin' Jack fan club. We used to scream and holler whwn he was on the track. There are still a few good deivers out ther but Jack is theBEST and always will be.