 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Frank and Nicole Johnson have enjoyed offroading since their marriage nearly 15 years ago. In 1992, Frank purchased his first car - a 1972 Toyota LandCruiser, aptly nicknamed The Japanese Thunder Chicken for its roaring Chevy 350 motor conversion. Frank’s big curly hair and his bright red Cruiser won over Nicole’s heart at once and the couple married in 1993.
Soon after they married, Frank and Nicole moved from Southern California to Utah to complete Nicole’s education. The three years in Utah provided many enjoyable weekends exploring the trails of the Wasatch Mountains and Moab. The nearly-stock Cruiser would soon undergo modifications to keep up with the more difficult terrain found in the backcountry.
After graduation in 1996, Frank and Nicole moved to Las Vegas and within a week had discovered the Southern Nevada Land Cruiser Association (SNLCA). Frank’s easy going personality and eagerness to explore the rugged terrain of the desert were apparent as he served for two years as President of the SNLCA. With a mutual enjoyment of trail riding, Nicole also served for two years as the Club’s treasurer.
By 1998, Frank had helped break and name several new trails around the outskirts of Las Vegas, trails that had previously been undiscovered or simply impassable. Then one afternoon while attempting alone to break a new trail, Frank met Dustin Webster, who was also driving a LandCruiser and trying to get through the same obstacle. Frank and Dustin quickly became best wheeling friends.
Soon after they married, Frank and Nicole moved from Southern California to Utah to complete Nicole’s education. The three years in Utah provided many enjoyable weekends exploring the trails of the Wasatch Mountains and Moab. The nearly-stock Cruiser would soon undergo modifications to keep up with the more difficult terrain found in the backcountry.
After graduation in 1996, Frank and Nicole moved to Las Vegas and within a week had discovered the Southern Nevada Land Cruiser Association (SNLCA). Frank’s easy going personality and eagerness to explore the rugged terrain of the desert were apparent as he served for two years as President of the SNLCA. With a mutual enjoyment of trail riding, Nicole also served for two years as the Club’s treasurer.
By 1998, Frank had helped break and name several new trails around the outskirts of Las Vegas, trails that had previously been undiscovered or simply impassable. Then one afternoon while attempting alone to break a new trail, Frank met Dustin Webster, who was also driving a LandCruiser and trying to get through the same obstacle. Frank and Dustin quickly became best wheeling friends.
In 2001, as rockcrawling competition was still in its infancy, Dustin Webster formed the RedBull Rockcrawling Team and would have none other than Frank Johnson as his team mate. With Frank as spotter, and Dustin behind the wheel, the team would soon be known as viable national competitors, and would help the sport of rockcrawling grow to its current status as the world’s fastest growing motorsport.
Nicole, meanwhile, traveled with Frank to many of his competitions, supporting him and learning the ropes of the sport. By 2004, Nicole Johnson was invited to drive in her first-ever competition, and was soon named Women’s National Rockcrawling Champion for 2004 and 2005 in her class. Through many years of trail riding and exposure to the technical aspects of competitive rockcrawling, Nicole has become an eager driver with much potential.
Frank’s spotting experience in three different vehicle classes over the five year position with the RedBull team has made him one of the most respected and sought-after spotters in the sport. In 2006, Frank and Nicole created their own team, known appropriately as Johnson Motorsports. The team’s first competition vehicle was a Pro Modified Class 1991 Jeep YJ rock buggy. After a year of tough competition on the 4-seat family trail rig, the decision was made to obtain a new, more competitive buggy.
In October 2007, the team acquired its current Pro Mod vehicle from Shannon Campbell of Campbell Enterprises. The buggy had just finished in 2nd place in its 2007 debut, proving its worthiness among the top ranked vehicles nationwide.
With the introduction of the team's new vehicle, 2008 was an important, breakthrough year for Johnson Motorsports, now competing on the professional level in its first full year. Nicole and Frank placed 5th in the W.E.ROCK Western series against seasoned pros, and 10th nationally in 2008.
With the introduction of the team's new vehicle, 2008 was an important, breakthrough year for Johnson Motorsports, now competing on the professional level in its first full year. Nicole and Frank placed 5th in the W.E.ROCK Western series against seasoned pros, and 10th nationally in 2008.
Johnson Motorsports combines Frank and Nicole’s unique experiences throughout the evolution of the sport with their passion for wheeling.