Notorious NASCAR legend Junior Johnson received an unimaginable Christmas gift from President Ronald Reagan in 1985

One of the biggest names in the sport, Junior Johnson, saw his career span from his moonshine days to winning multiple races as a driver and team owner. He is one of those drivers who, despite various accolades, have failed to secure a championship title for themselves. The legend has also once received a presidential pardon for moonshine in the past.

Although Johnson had an illustrious career in stock car racing, he ended up on the wrong side of the law, mainly due to his illegal lubrication activities early on. At one point, Treasury agents arrested him when he had gone to the distillery to light a fire. Ultimately, however, due to his overwhelming success in cementing his name in the NASCAR world, then-US President Ronald Reagan gave the legend a presidential pardon and acquitted the former charges of his.

Johnson, in 1986, revealed more about the incident. “They (Treasury officials) found the place somehow and kept an eye on it. When I got to the still, they came out of hiding and accused me of making whiskey without paying duty.”

He further added. “I filed a pardon request a little over five years ago. I had not given up hope that it would be approved, although when I applied I was told that it would probably take quite a while.”

How did Junior Johnson get into making moonshine?

Johnson’s family were originally farmers, who also had a side business of building duty-free, high-speed transportation of moonshine while evading the police. As Johnson grew and became involved in the family business, he began to hone his craft as a driver, while delivering product as quickly as possible.

Johnson once said, “Good whiskey racers were a bit cocky about it, like good racing drivers. I guess I was pretty arrogant.” Long after receiving his pardon, Johnson continued to sell moonshine, but instead of his illegal ways, he did so legally this time. Years later, when asked about his feelings after Reagan pardoned him of his charges, Johnson replied: “Best Christmas present I have ever received.”

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Johnson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the class of 2010. A few years later, in 2019, the trailblazer sadly passed away at the age of 88. Johnson has been a big part of the long history of the sport. The NASCAR community has considered him a pioneer and innovator. Now, years after his death, he is still fondly remembered by fans. He would forever remain in the hearts and minds of the people who saw him run. Or heard stories about him growing up.