Livy Johnson Returning To Full-Time Competition At Accord In 2020
Story By: JORDAN SHEEHAN / JOHNSON RACING – NEW PALTZ, NY – When the conversation starts about Accord Speedway’s Street Stock racing history, it’s hard not to talk about and bring up the name Livy Johnson.
Johnson, a seven time victor at the 1/4 mile bullring, is a history breaking racer that hails out of New Paltz, NY. After taking time off in 2019 to pursue a dream in Wyoming, she will return back to her roots for a full season of action at Accord Speedway in 2020.
Johnson is out to garner as many wins as possible this season. “My mentality has always been to go out and win,” she said. “The way I see it, if I’m winning, then the championship will follow. Haha, just kidding, I’m really just here to have fun.”
“Devil Child” Livy Johnson made history by becoming the first female to ever win a Street Stock race at Accord. Her first win came in 2015 at the age of 15. This was a week after flipped and returned with a newly put together ride.
“I’m glad that I’m a role model for other girls, but for me, racing has never been about being the first girl to accomplish anything,” Livy said. “I don’t want to be the best female racer, I just want to be the best racer.”
Although not fond of being recognized as “The First Female” to accomplish milestones in racing, she started to travel, for the first time, to other tracks in 2016. She made her debut at The House of Power Orange County Fair Speedway for the Eastern States Weekend Street Stock Race, where she would be racing against the best of the best in the division. After a ‘Queen of the Track’ award was posted. Johnson took the initiative to try out the 5/8 mile where she would qualify 8th out of 43 entries and won the Queen of the Track award.
“Traveling to a new track was a great experience,” Johnson said. “It was a learning curve for sure. I had never run DOT tires or a big track. I wasn’t thrilled with my results, but to be part of such a historical weekend was awesome. It looks like I may just go back there this season.”
With Livy’s return to racing in 2020, she will be rocking a new look from Scotty’s Signs. The base color will be black and the rest is up to the imagination of her designer.
“I’m really looking forward to a new look this year,’ she said. “I can’t wait to see what he comes up with.”
Livy can’t get on the speedway without the support of her sponsors and race team. In 2020, Livy will have Tom’s Repair Shop, Mountain Rest Electric, Countryside Lawn Care and Turco’s Machine Shop returning to support her racing endeavors. New to the team will be Jordan Sheehan Productions and Newkirk Lawn and Landscape.
“It means a lot to have the support of all of my sponsors and crew. Without them, racing wouldn’t be possible.”
Any day moving forward from today, there’s history to be made. In 2020, Livy Johnson has her sights set on having fun and competing well in the world of dirt racing. I speak for many when we say, welcome back Livy and the best of luck to you this season.
