Landracing Forum
Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: jimmy six on July 03, 2018, 07:48:06 PM
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I just read on the HAMB that Harold Johanson has past away, Harold was a Fireman by trade and continued working to the Studios after retirement. We met in 1975 in impounds and remained friends. I never missed a chance to talk with him when I saw him at El Mirage these last few years.
This is what Tony Huntimer wrote on the HAMB:
typo41
Member
from Mentone Beach, California
hammer.jpg
The photo above is one of my favorite shots of Harold, notice the claw hammer he has ready for use?
Below is a write up that I stole from:
https://www.hotrodhotline.com/land-speed-record-holder-harold-johansen-jr-still-active-his-80’s
About Harold Johansen Jr.
Harold Johansen Jr began racing on the dry lakes of Southern California in 1946 and at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1950 (one year after its inception). Considered to have the longest-running career as a vintage land speed driver, he raced through 2008 and into his early 80’s. Harold is still active in the sport today as a car owner and builder and holds eight world records as well as 60 other records. He was inducted in the “El Mirage Hall of Fame” for his dry lake racing achievements and dedication to designing, building, and racing vintage cars. He entered the “Bonneville 200 MPH Club” in 1974 in a C/Gas Roadster. He later set records in gas and fuel modified roadsters in both C, D and Lakester classes.
Harold’s other race cars:
* 70s Lakester (V4 Gas and Fuel) – Held the record speed of 175 mph, for two years.
* 1929 Ford Roadster (V4 Fuel Blown Gas) – Presently holds six records and held a record for D class Roadster for over 20 years at 194 mph.
* 1927 Ford Roadster (V4 Fuel) – Held more than seven records.
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Sorry to hear this, Harold was the original builder of the modified that Ken and I ran, RIP.
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Had the privilege of sharing the Gates Booth at the SEMA show with Harold in 2010... what a character, lots of great stories.
We have lost another of our founders and inovators
GodSpeed Harold