Midgetracer 5 Posted May 11, 2022 I am sure that I saw Ron Johnson in his last official race. On August 31st 1960 Edinburgh were riding at Poole. Ron Johnson, despite his age, had returned that season for a comeback. Ian Hoskins, the Edinburgh promoter had given him a few rides, but he had not been successful. He rode in the second half at Poole that night. About halfway through the race he suffered a very heavy fall, and was carried off on a stretcher. It would seem that his injuries were not serious, but I think that this was his final official ride. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,106 Posted May 14, 2022 On 5/11/2022 at 1:11 PM, Midgetracer said: I am sure that I saw Ron Johnson in his last official race. On August 31st 1960 Edinburgh were riding at Poole. Ron Johnson, despite his age, had returned that season for a comeback. Ian Hoskins, the Edinburgh promoter had given him a few rides, but he had not been successful. He rode in the second half at Poole that night. About halfway through the race he suffered a very heavy fall, and was carried off on a stretcher. It would seem that his injuries were not serious, but I think that this was his final official ride. Ron Johnson rode the following week, on 3rd September, in the Edinburgh round of the Provincial Riders' Championship. He scored three points from five rides, but those three points were a win in his fourth ride against Jimmy Gleed, Jimmy Cox and Dave Dodd. He then fell in his last ride. On 14 May 1963 he rode a series of three match races against Phil Bishop in the second half at New Cross. Johnson won 2-1. I think those were his last official rides. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonas H 10 Posted June 2, 2023 According to this article by Peter White, Ron Johnson's last race was at Sheffield in the second half towards the end of 1963. https://www.speedwaypast.com/stories/larger-than-life-ron-johnson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonas H 10 Posted June 2, 2023 According to this site, Johnson amassed a fortune during his speedway career and the film “Once a Jolly Swagman,” starring Dirk Bogarde, was based on his life. https://wais.org.au/hallofchampions/ron-johnson/ Never heard about that before, true or not? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E I Addio 15,844 Posted June 2, 2023 Not sure about the film but I have read that he both amassed and spent a fortune. At one time he was said to have been living at some top London hotel but didn’t look after his money and apparently died penniless. Others may be able to fill in more details. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,106 Posted June 2, 2023 Thanks for that info, Jonas. I'd be very interested in learning more about that appearance at Sheffield. I have looked at the Speedway Researcher site, but they have no record of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BL65 656 Posted June 2, 2023 10 minutes ago, norbold said: Thanks for that info, Jonas. I'd be very interested in learning more about that appearance at Sheffield. I have looked at the Speedway Researcher site, but they have no record of it. Speedway Researcher site shows in the Sheffield A to Z that Ron Johnson was in a demonstration race at the end of the 1962 season. I suspect this was his last appearance there. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norbold 7,106 Posted June 2, 2023 (edited) 2 minutes ago, BL65 said: Speedway Researcher site shows in the Sheffield A to Z that Ron Johnson was in a demonstration race at the end of the 1962 season. I suspect this was his last appearance there. Thanks BL, which means the match race series at New Cross in 1963 I quoted were probably his last rides. Edited June 2, 2023 by norbold Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonas H 10 Posted June 2, 2023 Speedway Star had a very interesting four-page story about Ron Johnson in their December 31 issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iris123 20,972 Posted June 6, 2023 On 6/2/2023 at 10:25 PM, Jonas H said: Speedway Star had a very interesting four-page story about Ron Johnson in their December 31 issue. Did it mention 1929 and this incident ? Fines of 2 pounds for assault and 15 pounds for dangerous driving, with costs and his license forfeited, and disqualification from driving for 2 years, were imposed on Ronald Johnson. Evidence was given that Johnson in a sports car, drove at a terrific speed over Serpentine bridge, cutting between two cars which had to apply their brakes violently. In taking a sharp turn Johnson's passenger was thrown out and injured. The evidence stated Johnson became very excited when arrested and kicked the constable !!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
