Rick D. Johnson to Take the Wheel as an Owner and Racer

Rick D Johnson

In an effort to “keep the dream alive,” the decision became obvious to keep Team 71 Racing in the family and hand off ownership to Rick D. Johnson. The Team 71 Racing program is built on the values of hard work and sacrifice and no one knows that better than Rick D. Johnson. Rick offers over 25 years experience in the off-road racing world and he knows the ingredients required to maintain and grow a successful off-road team.

Team 71 Racing has experienced success over the last two years under the ownership of Myrl Akerman and he credits a large part of that success to the continued support of sponsors and team members. Team 71 Racing is strongly supported by off-road powerhouses such as General Tire along with Lucas Oil, The Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, Soltek Lighting, King Shocks, Hostyle Racing, K & N, Ford Racing, Compdoor.com, RC10.com, SLIME, Pfaff Engines, Mastercraft Safety, Four Wheeler Magazine, DirtSports Magazine, Motion Tire, North American Off Road, F&L Fuel, Light Racing, and Totally Off Road Radio.

When asked why he is choosing to “pass the torch” of ownership, Akerman replied, “It’s time to move on. It’s been a great ride, but it’s time. I have opportunities on the table both inside and outside the off-road racing community that I need to explore. It would be unfair to the success of Team 71 Racing to try and balance ownership responsibilities with my own professional endeavors. My dedication and passion for the team remains strong and I intend to support Team 71 Racing through marketing and general business consultation. Rick D. Johnson is truly one of the last ironmen in the sport and deserves every opportunity to continue to pursue his dream in off-road racing. He truly bleeds dirt and has backed this team in a very unselfish manner as a driver and a financial business partner over the last two years. He will be a great driver/owner.”

Akerman also went on to say that in his 18 years of racing it was truly a pleasure to participate in events with Best In The Desert, SCORE, SNORE and NORRA. He looks forward to the challenges ahead.

You can catch up with The Team 71 Racing/General Tire team at the Bluewater Resort and Casino Parker “425? race in Parker, AZ on February 5th – 7th, 2010. Visit www.BITD.com for more information and details regarding the first Best in the Desert race of the 2010 season!

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