Full Throttle

Reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Benson is reportedly in serious but stable condition in a Grand Rapids, MI hospital after being involved in a fiery crash during a SuperModified race.

According to the Grand Rapids Press, Benson, 45, crashed on the opening lap of Saturday’s 50-lap event at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI. He suffered at least one broken rib.

The newspaper also reported that Benson made contact with driver Larry Lehnert, with his car airborne for a few seconds before hitting the track. A fire erupted inside his car. Track personnel quickly extinguished the blaze and pulled Benson from the vehicle.

In an update, Johnny’s sister Barb says “as of this morning, JB is awake and alert in a Grand Rapids hospital (Spectrum Health Butterworth) with at least one broken rib. He is being kept for observation. There is no release time as yet.”

Benson, who was making the first of two local appearances on the ISMA circuit, had just come around Turn 3 on the first lap of the race when he made contact with Larry Lehnert.

The wing of Lehnert’s supermodified car was knocked sideways and Benson actually was airborne for a few seconds before making contact with the track.

The Life EMS emergency response crew, along with Berlin Raceway officials and safety team, worked carefully to extract Benson from his race car. Benson was awake and alert during the process and gave race fans a wave when loaded into the ambulance.

“He was pretty sore, but he seemed to be doing well last night when I talked to him,” Benson Sr. said. “The car’s driver side hit the wall hard, and it’s a testament to the Hans (head and neck safety) device and the safety seat in the supermodified car that held him in place so well. I have to commend the safety crew and ambulance crew at Berlin Raceway for their quick response - they did their job well, putting the fire out quickly and taking care of Johnny.”

Benson Sr. said the fuel line was cut in two when it was pinched between the rear axle and the frame. The alcohol-based fuel that these supermodified cars use burns blue and very hot, and Benson managed to come out of it with barely any burns due to the quick response by the safety crew. The frame of the car was not bent badly, and all of the safety aspects of the car held up well, which allowed Benson to escape without major injuries.

Benson is part owner of Berlin Raceway, a 7/16-mile paved oval.

Last week, Benson’s Red Horse Racing team suspended operations in the Truck Series. The team has attempted to secure sponsorship since last December, but has been unsuccessful in doing so.