RPW Column: Marc Johnson’s Hoping New Car, Motor Lead To Good Results At Lebanon Valley

RPW Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RACE PRO WEEKLY – AVERILL PARK, NY – The 2019 season was one that had several ups and downs for Marc Johnson.

While he captured the Modified championship at the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, he only visited victory lane on one occasion, leading just a single lap at the “Great Race Place.”

However, the biggest shakeup to his racing season was becoming a regular for the first time in his career at the Lebanon Valley Speedway, driving for Scott Hamlin’s racing operation.

To say his freshman year was rough could be an understatement. Two top 5’s and eight top 10’s led to a 12th place finish in points. Unfortunately though, he never found his way to the top of the mountain on race night.

In 2020, Johnson’s hoping to change his luck with a new Bicknell race car, an all-new engine from Dan Bedell, and a renewed confidence that he can get the job done on the Valley’s high banks.

“I just want to run well for Scott and the entire SHR (Scott Hamlin Racing) team,” Johnson said. “So far, so good.”

The new year with a new race car has already paid dividends for the Guilderland, NY driver. After two races, he has a third place on opening night and 11th on week number two. That has him sitting firmly in the top 5 in points as the summer rolls on.

“This is the best car we’ve had at Lebanon Valley,” he said. “I’m not 100% on how good it is after only two races, but we have a good thing going right now.”

Probably the harshest critic on Johnson and his results is actually Marc himself. He’s trying everything he can to not only get the most out of his equipment but also to take care of it. Sometimes, that makes being aggressive on race night difficult.

“I’m always hard on myself,” he said. “Starting up front and falling back is never a good feeling. I just need to attack more and we’ll get to the front.”

His second year with the Hamlin-owned team has everyone firing on all cylinders. With all crew members, the owner, and driver on the same page, it should be just a matter of time before Johnson is in victory lane.

“Everything’s been great so far,” he said. “The entire team is working really hard and we’re all gelling like family.”

The newly-renumbered 3J has several of their key partners back for the 2020 season, including RC Concrete, Lebanon Springs Excavating and Boss Mechanical. They have also added more marketing help in the form of Sherman Networks, Lyons Sons & Roaring 20’s Brewery & Taproom.

For fans in the area, this Saturday, July 4th, Marc’s #3j will be on display at the Brewery & Taproom on Route 20 in New Lebanon, NY from 2-3pm. Marc is scheduled to appear to sign autographs and meet fans before heading to the Valley to compete.

After a three-year renovation of the building, the Roaring 20’s Brewery opened in May of this year to rave reviews. On July 4th, they are welcoming the two-time and defending Albany-Saratoga Speedway Modified champion to help them kick off the summer while bringing together the best of the past and the best of the future…outstanding beers brewed in-house in a historic location.