Talladega honours longest serving worker.

Before the first sounds of roaring engines filled the air and the first green flag fell at Talladega Superspeedway, Larry Johnson was hard at work at the now legendary track.

The entire staff of Talladega Superspeedway gathered last week to honour Johnson, who has been employed at the facility for all of its historic 35 years of existence.

Johnson, who currently works in the Superspeedway's maintenance department, officially began working for TSS on September 2nd 1969. Prior to that day, he played a part in bringing NASCAR founder William H.G. (Bill) France's ambitious 2.66 mile dream to reality as an employee with Moss-Thornton, the Alabama construction firm that built the track.

Johnson was hired by then-superintendent Red Pugh, who came from Daytona to oversee maintenance at Talladega Superspeedway. Twelve days after he was hired, Johnson witnessed the first NASCAR race at the new facility on September 14th 1969, the inaugural Talladega 500.

At the surprise presentation, Talladega Superspeedway President Grant Lynch introduced Johnson by first recalling several signs of the times in 1969, from popular music to the cost of the average automobile 35 years ago. Lynch read a letter sent by International Speedway Corporation President Lesa D. Kennedy in which Kennedy personally thanked Johnson on behalf of ISC management as well as the France family.

"Your years of service and commitment have set a standard among other employees, and have allowed not only Talladega Superspeedway to grow, but the entire company as a whole. We commend you on a job well done and thank you for your efforts over the last 35 years," Kennedy wrote.

Lynch then thanked Johnson, asking him and his wife, Alice, to join him and Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey before the assembled employees for the presentation of gifts, a special holiday bonus and a cake commemorating his service. Johnson received a standing ovation.

"The dedication Larry has shown through his decades of service at Talladega Superspeedway is truly remarkable," Lynch said. "We were so happy to have everyone together to honour him for his accomplishment and to mark such an important milestone."

Johnson, who served as superintendent during part of his tenure here, said he never dreamed he'd experience such a long and fulfilling career in one place, adding that it has been the people surrounding him that have made it happen.

"I'd have to say all of my memories here have been fond ones," Johnson said. "It is the people that have made my job worthwhile. I enjoy the fans and being around them, and of course the people that I work with every day."

He said the special presentation was not only an honour but a complete surprise, with his suspicion raised only when he arrived at what he thought was a facility-wide holiday meeting and saw that his wife was there, too. The Johnson's reside in Talladega County and have five children: sons Lonnie Herrington and Larry Dale Johnson, and daughters Renee Perley, Dana Phillips and Vicki Johnson.