The generosity of Dick Johnson.

[Dr Smith]

Driving past Sandown racetrack during the week I suddenly remembered the time I visited a Saturday practise session with my brother, back when Dick Johnson was racing his Sierra Cosworth.

The public were allowed to walk behind the pit area in between the trucks/transporters and the practise session had finished with Dick Johnson having some trouble and the rumour spreading that his team were going to strip down his engine. We raced to his pit area and saw the car being worked on. Behind me I heard a young child absolutely bawling his eyes out and a father with 2 other sons trying hard to calm him down. With no luck what so ever.

Suddenly I noticed Dick Johnson walking towards my brother and I. The father and young sons had their backs to Dick. By the time DJ was 2 steps behind the crying boy was about to explode his face was so red and I realised he was asking for his missing cap. DJ suddenly stopped beside them and asked the farther what was up? The father explained his son has lost his cap and they wouldn’t be able to replace it. So DJ said “here young fella, have mine”. DJ asked if he would like it signed and then asked the father they had better take a photo to show his friends.

The young boy instantly stopped crying although I think the father might have shed a small tear of gratitude. Needles to say, many of us obervers felt all “warm and fuzzy” inside as well.

A great moment of generosity as I also now remember my Grandfather once saying “it costs you nothing to be nice”…well in this case maybe it cost DJ a cap but the rewards or memories are priceless.