Don Johnson - "The Beachcomber"
Don Johnson followed a dual path in his life, achieving an MBA in business administration from Pepperdine University, while following a racing career. Even as he charged down the quarter mile, he was obtaining an education that would serve him later in life, as a marketing, media promotion, and public relations professional.
Don "the Beachcomber" Johnson became a legend in AA Fuel Dragster history, winning first place in the Baja 1000, and becoming a life member of the Bonneville Flats 200 Club. He was an original member of the California Road Kings, with Don Purdohmme and Tommy Ivo.
In 1968, he ran a top fuel dragster, built by Roy Fjastad, powered by a 392 Hemi, with direct drive, achieving a 6.795 mile quarter mile at 223.9 mph. The same car appears to have been run in 1969 and 1970.
A 1970 Chrysler press release described some of his early racing years:
The Hemi powered 1970 dragsters
In 1970, Johnson ran two Hemi-powered dragsters. Both used a Speed Products Engineering 200 inch wheelbase chassis, front axle, and laced wire front wheels, with Halibrand Mags in back; the steering geometry was fashioned by P&S Machine of Los Angeles. Six gallon Hanna Fuel tanks were mounted forward of the engine.
Ed Pink worked over the 426 Hemis; Bowers blowers with Cragar drives running 24% over crankshaft speed were stacked up top and fed a mixture of nitro through Enderle injectors and Cragar intakes. Hilborn fuel pumps were used with Milodon drives.
A balanced Moldex Crankshaft with precision fitted Federal Mogul bearings pushed ForgeTrue pistons in the big bores via MIT-Pink connecting rods. Torque to the stock Dodge 3:91 rear gear was sent directly. The flywheel and pressure plate in this popular arrangement were by Schiefer.
The camshafts, ground by Racer Brown, worked matching Racer Brown pushrods, lifters and springs. The intake valves were stock Dodge 2.25 inch while the same size Donovans handled the exhaust. The rocker arms remained standard issue. The ignition system for both Beachcombers was by Cerillo of Costa Mesa.
In the West, Johnson himself ran the first car. The second Beachcomber was raced in the East by 22 year old John Travis of Westchester, California.
Afterwards
In his racing career, Don Johnson developed and managed promotional project vehicles for many different manufacturers; after retiring from racing, he started a business, DJ&F, where he can help manufacturers to obtain appropriate aftermarket parts to enhance their vehicles' performance and design, and help with product image, distribution, editorial and networking.
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Don Johnson followed a dual path in his life, achieving an MBA in business administration from Pepperdine University, while following a racing career. Even as he charged down the quarter mile, he was obtaining an education that would serve him later in life, as a marketing, media promotion, and public relations professional.
Don "the Beachcomber" Johnson became a legend in AA Fuel Dragster history, winning first place in the Baja 1000, and becoming a life member of the Bonneville Flats 200 Club. He was an original member of the California Road Kings, with Don Purdohmme and Tommy Ivo.
In 1968, he ran a top fuel dragster, built by Roy Fjastad, powered by a 392 Hemi, with direct drive, achieving a 6.795 mile quarter mile at 223.9 mph. The same car appears to have been run in 1969 and 1970.
A 1970 Chrysler press release described some of his early racing years:
The biography doesn't mention it, but Don Johnson had owned other dragsters, with other drivers. In 1966, for example, his 1966 Beachcomber top fuel dragster, raced by Bob Muravez, won the Las Vegas Invitational and the Mickey Thompson 200 MPH Championship at Lions dragstrip, beat 75 Top Fuel dragsters.
The Hemi powered 1970 dragsters
In 1970, Johnson ran two Hemi-powered dragsters. Both used a Speed Products Engineering 200 inch wheelbase chassis, front axle, and laced wire front wheels, with Halibrand Mags in back; the steering geometry was fashioned by P&S Machine of Los Angeles. Six gallon Hanna Fuel tanks were mounted forward of the engine.
Ed Pink worked over the 426 Hemis; Bowers blowers with Cragar drives running 24% over crankshaft speed were stacked up top and fed a mixture of nitro through Enderle injectors and Cragar intakes. Hilborn fuel pumps were used with Milodon drives.
A balanced Moldex Crankshaft with precision fitted Federal Mogul bearings pushed ForgeTrue pistons in the big bores via MIT-Pink connecting rods. Torque to the stock Dodge 3:91 rear gear was sent directly. The flywheel and pressure plate in this popular arrangement were by Schiefer.
The camshafts, ground by Racer Brown, worked matching Racer Brown pushrods, lifters and springs. The intake valves were stock Dodge 2.25 inch while the same size Donovans handled the exhaust. The rocker arms remained standard issue. The ignition system for both Beachcombers was by Cerillo of Costa Mesa.
In the West, Johnson himself ran the first car. The second Beachcomber was raced in the East by 22 year old John Travis of Westchester, California.
Afterwards
In his racing career, Don Johnson developed and managed promotional project vehicles for many different manufacturers; after retiring from racing, he started a business, DJ&F, where he can help manufacturers to obtain appropriate aftermarket parts to enhance their vehicles' performance and design, and help with product image, distribution, editorial and networking.
Racing page | Racing forum
Home •
Engines •
Reviews •
Chrysler 1904-2018 •
Upcoming •
Trucks •
Cars
Spread the word via <!--Tweet or--> Facebook!
We make no guarantees regarding validity or accuracy of information, predictions, or advice - .
Copyright © VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, and Mopar are trademarks of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.