An electrician by trade, Dan Johnson of Cape Coral, Fla., is among the most genuine and gracious members of the Fort Myers Offshore group. He’s soft-spoken and unfailingly kind, particularly to club newcomers. Originally from Massachusetts, the 34-year-old Skater 28 catamaran owner is a true gentleman.
An offshore racing rookie driver, Dan Johnson will share the cockpit of the Super Stock-class Atlas raceboat with throttleman Jay Price this weekend in the Roar Offshore Fort Myers Beach event this weekend. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
And thanks to Super Stock-class Atlas team owner Tanner Lewis, he’s about to become an offshore racer, at least for this weekend’s Roar Offshore Fort Myers Beach event. Johnson will drive Lewis’ 32-foot Doug Wright catamaran with Louisiana-based throttleman Jay Price in what—at least for the rookie driver—will be a hometown race.
“I just came from a D.O.T. physical to meet American Power Boat Association requirements,” Johnson said during a telephone interview this morning. “I’ve run raceboats before, but I’ve never raced.
“This was kind of hard to pass up,” he added, then chuckled. “Though I have driven the boat with Shaun Torrente, I have always wanted the opportunity to get into it for a race. I am very competitive by nature—I used to race dirt bikes professionally.”
Not only is Johnson a true gentleman, he’s a fun-loving guy.
Johnson is the crew chief for the Atlas team. When Lewis knew he had a schedule conflict with the Fort Myers Beach affair, he tapped Johnson to drive.
Price will arrive in town tomorrow and he Johnson will share the 32-footer’s cockpit for the first time. They’ll practice again during the Friday test session before the qualifying round.
Johnson’s goals are simple.
“Obviously, I would like to be out front, but our biggest thing is to get around the course safely and put on a great show,” he said.
Kendra Conrad, Johnson’s girlfriend, is going to handle his “crew chief” radio duties during the Fort Myers Beach event.
Powered by in-line six-cylinder Mercury Racing 400R engines, Johnson’s Skater is for sale—but he’s not planning on replacing it with a raceboat. He has his eyes on a center console, likely a 37-footer from Midnight Express.
“Honestly, much as I love the Skater, living down here I want to throw out an anchor, put on some good tunes and have a good time in the shade with friends,” he said.
But right now at least, Johnson’s boating mind is elsewhere.
“I’m just enjoying the opportunity to be in my hometown race,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything cooler.”