7/9/2017
Greenbush Race Park
Rick Johnson "Border Bandit" Memorial - August 19, 2017
Richard (Rick) Allan Johnson of Badger, MN passed away peacefully May 11th, 2017 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo at the age of 69.
Rick was born on January 16th, 1948 in Roseau, MN to Bert and Dorothy (Hicks) Johnson. He graduated from Badger High School in 1966. Shortly after high school graduation he joined the service and proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning from the war in 1969, he attended classes at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls, MN. In 1974, he was united in marriage to Linda Martin in Sisseton, SD. They moved to Badger, MN and resided there with their two daughters, Kara and Shauna. Rick held various jobs throughout his life including test driving at Polaris Industries, running a small engine repair shop from his home and Superintendent of the City of Badger which he did for 29 years.
Ricks passions were his engine repair shop and certainly racing. Rick was a local legend who was known as the #90 Border Bandit while racing Outlaw Street Cars and later SuperTrucks. Ricks spent many weekends at the Greenbush Race Park where he was a crowd favorite with many of his friends and family cheering him on. Rick started racing in the 70’s in the #66 Javelin then took time off to enjoy his newborn daughters. In 1991, he and Art Linert built his first Outlaw Street car which became the #90 Border Bandit. His Outlaw Street racing career was full of success being crowned Greenbush Race Park - Points Champion in 1991 and 1996. He also placed 2nd in points in 1992 and 1994 also in Greenbush and 3rd place in points in 1997 and 1998. He won many various Track Championship races and later SuperTrucks “Special” nights while racing in 2001-2003 in Hallock’s Rockets Speedway, the Greenbush Race Park and River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks. Rick also ended the season 3rd place NOPA Super Truck National Points in 2003. He was a fierce competitor on the track often running with the leaders but was always smiling in the pits making friends with everyone he talked to. He also raced at the Rocket Speedway in Hallock and later in Winnipeg to race SuperTrucks.
Rick also enjoyed camping with his family, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, and fishing. Rick remained a “big kid at heart” his entire life. He was always had an eye out for a collector toy tractor, RC car, or Racing and Sports memorabilia to add to his collection. He will always be remembered for being a prankster and jokingly picking on his loved ones. He was one of the most loving, caring, funny, and helpful people around.
Rick is survived by his daughters, Kara (Sam) Pelowski of Roseau, MN, Shauna Johnson (Corey Olson) of Badger, MN; five grandchildren, Mariah (21), Kiana (15), Jada (11), Jenna (9), and Noah (7); special friend Marissa Rasmusson (Brody and Codi) of Badger, MN; sister June Hagen of Badger, MN; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; his fury companions Sadie and Jasmine and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Dorothy, siblings, Dorothy Jean, Norbert and Roberta.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.”
Submitted By: Shelly Linert
