Mega-fan supporting three generations of Johnson
Dick Johnson supporter Brett Gleeson has opened up on his life-long connection to the Supercars Hall of Famer.
Three generations of Johnson cut laps aboard Shell V-Power Racing Team Mustangs at Queensland Raceway on Monday.
Dick, Steven and Jett Johnson shared the track, the Mustang convoy led by the 77-year-old Supercars legend.
Monday marked Dick’s first Supercars laps since 2019 and his grandson Jett’s first ever Supercars laps.
Gleeson’s family began sponsoring Dick in 1981 when Brett was four years old.
After spending the weekend supporting Jett's TransAM event at Sydney Motorsport Park, Gleeson flew to Brisbane for Monday's historic laps.
“I didn't even think twice about coming, it was just done,” Gleeson told Supercars.com.
“Seeing it, was beautiful. It was perfect.
“I watched Steven debut, I've watched Jett debut, and now I'm watching all three of them together today, it's pretty special.
“Everything about it was really nice, the way it was all done, they're all wearing the same gear and the same cars.
“I brought my son [Ryan Gleeson] up to see it all as well.
“I think he realized the enormity of what we were coming to see today, I'm just a fan but they all treat me like part of the family.”
Dick Johnson (centre) and Gleeson (left) at Mount Panorama
Debuting in 1964, Dick made his 321st and final Supercars start in 1999.
The nation opened its hearts and pockets when Dick crashed into a rock at Mount Panorama while leading the 1980 Bathurst 1000.
Dick built a new car and returned to the track in 1981 to claim his first Australian Touring Car Championship.
Previously Allan Moffat fans, Gleeson’s parents were one of Dick’s generous donors.
Sydney-based Gleeson has supported the Johnson family for over 40 years and has met Dick multiple times.
He also has a wall dedicated to the three-time Bathurst winner denoting his championship-winning years.
John Bowe (left) and Gleeson (right) with Dick Johnson tribute
“My family donated money when Dick hit the rock when we were all young kids,” Gleeson said.
“We were previously Allan Moffat fans up until 1980, then when we met DJ, and we've been hooked for life.
“I've been to Bathurst 46 years in a row, I'm 46, so I've never missed a year, even through COVID.
“Dick’s never changed, he's always still the same bloke that we met 40 years ago.
“Now we are all going to support Jett with his journey, as we did with Steve, it’s pretty awesome.”
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