Jett Johnson's special tribute to inspirational uncle
Jett Johnson pays tribute to late uncle with special number
Johnson to race late uncle's #138 at Perth SuperSprint
Elton Holman was a rising Supercross star before 1990 accident
Rising star and third-generation racer Jett Johnson will pay tribute to his late uncle on track at this weekend's Dunlop Series round in Perth.
Johnson, son of racer Steven and legendary grandfather Dick, will resume his 2024 campaign in Perth, but with a different number on the window.
The teenager's regular #117 will make way for the #138, which was campaigned by late uncle Elton Holman in his Supercross days.
Holman was on his way to becoming one of Australia’s top Supercross riders, but suffered an accident at a Coffs Harbour Supercross event in 1990, and became a quadriplegic at the age of 16.
He passed away on April 29, and was laid to rest last week on what was supposed to be his 50th birthday.
An inspiration to many, Holman was told he died twice on the night of his accident, and was later informed he would be lucky to live to 30.
Holman proved doctors wrong time and time, and was a major influence on Jett’s life and career.
"Elton was an inspiration to me from as long as I can remember, he loved watching me race and would always talk to me about what I needed to do to improve off the track to be the best I could be, he never stopped being obsessed with health and fitness right up till his last days," Johnson said.
"Even though Elton was in a wheelchair, I never once heard him complain about his condition, instead it was always positive thoughts about how to do things or how to make things easier. You could always talk to Elton about anything, and he would give you the best advice.
"Elton would always put life into perspective if any of us thought we were having a bad day. He would quickly point out, 'What have you got to be sad about', with a smirk on his face.
"He has made me look at life so much differently. The glass was always half full for him, not half empty. I feel I’m a much more grounded, understanding and better person from having Elton in my life for the last 19 years."
Johnson is 15th in the Super2 standings heading to Perth, after results of 16th and 11th in Bathurst. Track action at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint will commence on Friday May 17. Tickets for the event are on sale now. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.
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