Jarit Johnson is considered one of NASCAR’s most talented up-and-coming drivers. He began racing competitively at age five on a dirt bike in the deserts and tracks around his hometown in Southern California. He later progressed to desert lite buggies claiming a 1995 Off-Road desert lite championship. When the off-road scene seemed to be declining Jarit decided to hit the pavement. At just 19 years old he started his own funded Spec Truck team which toured local Southern California short tracks such as Irwindale Speedway and Mesa Marin.

Last year he raced in the Limited Late Model Series at Hickory Motor Speedway. In just three starts, Jarit was able to place the car on the pole and win his first race at Hickory. He went on to win another race from the pole the following week. Jarit collected 3-wins, 3-poles, 5-2nd places and 10 top tens.

His success at Hickory didn’t go unnoticed and led to test days in both an ASA car at Hickory for Michael Waltrip, Inc. and an ARCA car for Hendrick Motorsports at ChicagoLand Speedway. After both test sessions Waltrip and Hendrick gave him very high marks. In late 2004 Ken Smith, Owner of SS Racing hired Jarit for 2005 as his primary driver for the complete 10 race schedule in the ASL Series. (Former ASA Cars) In his first ASL Race he was a contender for the win finishing a close 3rd.

Some interesting Jarit Johnson Facts:

Jarit is a talented fabricator and has worked for some NASCAR’s top names such as Randy LaJoie (LaJoie of Seating) and Michael Waltrip.

Jarit spent 2001 working as a tire changer and crew member for his good friend Blaise Alexander who raced in the ARCA Series.