Former Champ Johnson to Make GS Return in KohR Mustang

Photo: KohR Motorsports

Former IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge champion Billy Johnson will make his return to full-season competition this year as part of KohR Motorsports’ Ford Mustang GT4 effort.

The 2016 GS class title-winner will team up with Bob Michaelian in the No. 59 entry beginning with this weekend’s BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.

“I’m really excited to be back full-time in such a challenging and competitive series,” said Johnson, a former Ford GT factory driver.

“Bob Michaelian and I have been competitors for many years and I’m looking forward to teaming up with him and the awesome guys at KohR Motorsports in a strong championship effort.

“It’s great to be back behind the wheel of a Mustang again and I’m confident we will be contending for wins and the championship this year.”

Michaelian, who is a class-winner and series regular, will be co-driving with Johnson for the first time.

“I am super excited to be reunited with Dean and the KOHR Motorsports group,” he said.

“I ran with Dean [Martin, team owner] in my first year in IMSA and have always been impressed with his operation and race strategy. His record of wins and championships in the series is a testament to that.

“Combining all of that with Billy will make for a fun and competitive season.

“Billy’s experience and success in a Mustang is unparalleled in the series and I am looking forward to learning from that experience this year.”

Team owner Martin said he’s “extremely excited” for the season ahead, after having contested only one race last year.

The Michigan-based operation won the 2020 GS title in an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 with Kyle Marcelli and Nate Stacy, with Stacy confirmed for his return to the team alongside Luca Mars in a second Mustang GT4 beginning at Sebring in March.

“Bob and Billy are going to make a great driving team,” Martin said. “Bob is one of the fastest non-pro drivers in the field, and Billy is one of the fastest pros in the field. The outlook is very good for KohR.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John