Gene Johnson Memorial Coming To Legendary Hilltop

(Marietta, Ohio)

The highly anticipated Gene Johnson Memorial is set for this Friday night at the Legendary Hilltop Speedway located in Marietta Ohio. The evening of racing will be held in tribute to the late Gene Johnson, who passed away in the fall of 2015. Gene who is the father of 6 time AMRA Champion Kenny Johnson, led his own successful racing career that lasted 10 seasons, and following his time as a driver, Gene was a major supporter of the sport of dirt track racing in numerous fashions. Hosting the Mountaineer High Performance Auction and promoting various races across the area, Johnson was an influential and highly admired presence within the sport. Known for a friendly approach and a highly admired character, Gene was a gift to the world and the sport of racing.

Following Gene’s passing last fall, the staff at the Legendary Hilltop Speedway working closely with the Johnson family, announced the Inaugural Gene Johnson Memorial to be held in 2016 at the Marietta Ohio track. Gene was a staple at the track since it reopened as was a friendly presence at each and every event in which he could attend. The event which will be ran this Friday, is designed to be held the way “Gene would had wanted it.” Rather than significantly increased purses, the event is more centered upon the fans and will feature General Admission at $10 for adults with kids 10 & under remaining free, trophies for the top 3 finishers in all classes along with some cash bonuses and some fun giveaways throughout the evening. Also planned will be a number of special surprise tributes to Gene Johnson and of course, racing in all of Legendary Hilltop’s regular classes.

The event is scheduled to kick off with pit gates opening at 3, general admission gates opening at 4, and Mini Wedges to take to the track at 7:05. Qualifying is tentatively set for 7:30 and racing will soon begin there after. More information can be found on Legendary Hilltop Speedway’s social media sites and fans in the Parkersburg/Marietta area are encouraged to watch WTAP’s “Daybreak” around 6:15 on Wednesday morning for a special interview with Kenny Johnson in promotion of the event.