The weight of expectation has pushed third-generation driver Jett Johnson to temporarily pause his racing career and face mental health issues he said he has hidden from.
The 19-year-old, who is the grandson of three-time Bathurst 1000 winner Dick Johnson, will miss his next Super2 Series race as a result.
The Super2 Series is one step below the Supercars championship in which Dick Johnson and Jett’s father Steven Johnson made a name for themselves.
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The teenager who hails from Queensland revealed he has consulted health professionals and has sought advice from his GP as well as family and friends.
In a statement, Johnson said he had been suffering for years and conceded racing had become a chore.
In a separate social media post, he said had been suffering with “demons” since school and needed to take time to resolve those.
“I’ve made the tough decision to step away from the Super2 Series for Townsville and the near future,” said Johnson.
“I’ve been dealing with mental health symptoms for quite a few years, and I have mainly tried to put on a brave face, but I’m at the point where I can’t keep trying to hide behind a smile anymore.
“The stress that I put on myself – on and off the track – has got the better of me at the moment. Some days I’m not too bad, others I may as well be carrying a backpack full of bricks around.
“Because of this, we have decided that the best course of action is to step back from the pressures of Super2 to hopefully aid in a faster recovery.”
Johnson’s ambition is to compete full-time as a professional racing driver like his father and grandfather.
The teenager has plied his trade in V8 race cars, namely Trans Am and more recently the second-tier Supercars series.
Johnson said he had been supported in his decision.
“I can’t thank the team, my family and close supporters and sponsors enough while I’ve made this call. They have all been amazingly supportive,” said Johnson.
“It’s super tough, especially when the sport you love most, almost feels like a chore due to the stress and anxiety that comes from me wanting to represent and be the best for everybody. But I can’t be the best on track if I’m battling and can’t focus off track.
“I’ve been working with professionals, including David Noble (CEO, Shell V-Power Racing Team), Dr Ryan Story, my personal GP and my family to try and get myself the best help I can.
“The biggest thing for me now is to just relax, get the help I need and make sure that I’m looking after myself.
“I don’t want this to be a total step back from racing, or a permanent step back from Supercars. Yes, I’m temporarily stepping back from Super2, but I still want to race. For now, though, I’m putting my mental health first.”
https://twitter.com/Dunlop_Series/status/1709781554048987499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Johnson will be replaced by former Supercars full-timer Dean Fiore at the next Super2 Series event in Townsville on July 6-7.