Big Bad Johno

"I have been riding for the longest consecutive time of anyone in Australia. I'll keep racing until someone looks like beating me." - Ron Johnson


This biography book is about Ron Johnson, a renowned Sidecar Champion from Brisbane, Australia. This biography unveils the untold story of Ron Johnson, with information collected from family, friends, Ron's speedway companions. Jocelyn dedicated two years to thoroughly examining a 70-year-old scrapbook containing her father's legacy. This remarkable collection comprises original articles and photographs from the 1950s to the 1980s, which were previously lost but will now resurface.

Jocelyn's goal in writing this book is to share her father's story with the world and to honor the memory of a remarkable man. Ron Johnson was known as "Big Bad Johno" because of his hot temper, extremely courageous, fearless and for his remarkable 45-year career in speedway racing. And of course, he was classed as the tallest speedway racer in Australia. Johno achieved numerous victories in tournaments across Australia and the world.

A boy from Pineapple Country, turned into a war veteran, motorcycle racer and a highly successful businessman, owning partnerships and with three speedway showgrounds. He also owned a dealership and a few mechanical workshops. One of his main dealerships was on a big corner block on McLachlan street and Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley.

Johno vanished from Brisbane after establishing his empire there and purchased a yacht named "Temple Maid". He spent over two decades sailing the seas from Australia to the Philippines with his family. His disappearance left many questioning what happened to him and how the famous Brisbane star met his end. It took Jocelyn more than two years to finish the book, as it stirred up a lot of emotions and required countless hours poring over the extensive 70 year old blue scrapbook, documenting her father's life from beginning to end.

Fans of Ron continue to reminisce about him even today, as he is hailed as one of the finest riders in Brisbane's history;

"They don't make men like Johno anymore."

"Big Ron Johnson was the king of the Ekka. I can still hear the sound of the HRD Vincent. It shook the ground."

"Loved the sound of Ron Johnson's Vincent. What a weapon."


Although Big Bad Johno has passed away, Johno is still remembered as one of the Speedway History Greats, revered not only in the speedway world but also in the wider community of Brisbane and Australia.

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