Eric Johnson Jr. Takes Second in First Laguna Seca Start with Jankowski Motorsports in Lucky Dog Endurance Series

The No.53 Dodge SRT Neon

February 2025 brought another milestone for Eric Johnson Jr., but this time, it wasn’t just about speed on a short track or a fresh start with a new team. It was about conquering a legendary circuit—Laguna Seca. As part of his continued transition into more diverse racing series, Eric lined up for his first race at the world-renowned road course in the Lucky Dog Endurance Series, driving the No. 53 Dodge Neon for Jankowski Motorsports.

Though Eric was no stranger to fast cars and tight battles, Laguna Seca presented a new challenge, a place with both prestige and a history of testing drivers’ limits. From the moment he hit the track, Eric's familiarity with handling pressure showed. The car was fast, and so was Eric. He posted the fastest lap time during both practice and the race for the team, sending a message that he was ready for the challenge ahead.

When the race started, Eric quickly got into the groove, helping Jankowski Motorsports secure an early lead. The team’s strategy was clear: Get out front, maintain the pace, and keep the pressure on. Eric, who was no stranger to adapting to different driving styles and environments, worked in perfect sync with the car and his crew, handling the twists and turns of Laguna Seca with precision.

Despite the intensity of the race, it was clear that Eric was driving the No. 53 with clear intent. He pushed hard but kept his focus on consistency—ensuring the car stayed at the front. As the race progressed, his leadership on the track paid off. He and his team held the lead for the majority of the event, never letting the pressure from second place become a concern.

However, just as the finish line was in sight, an unexpected challenge emerged. With only five minutes to go in the race, the final driver of the Jankowski Motorsports team, Henry, who had taken over after Eric’s stint, suddenly began to feel ill. It was a tough break. Henry struggled to continue, his condition worsening as he fought off what seemed to be a bug that had been making its rounds. In the final moments, the car slowed as Henry battled through the discomfort, but despite his best efforts, the second-place car took advantage of the situation, slipping by in the final laps to claim the win.

Eric and his team, despite the heartbreaking near-victory, finished second—a result that, while bittersweet, reflected an impressive performance in their first outing at Laguna Seca.

Reflecting on the race, Eric expressed a mix of pride and understanding: “You hate to get so close and not finish it out, but honestly, I couldn’t be more proud of the effort. Henry did an incredible job pushing through as he fought off whatever bug was floating around. Can’t get mad at the guy when he left it all out there. Just to say I had the chance to race here is an incredible opportunity that I feel pretty lucky for. That wouldn’t be possible without these guys and everyone on the Jankowski Motorsports team.”

The result may have been just shy of the win, but the experience at Laguna Seca was one that Eric Johnson Jr. wouldn’t soon forget. His first race at the iconic track not only showed his ability to adapt but proved he could compete in any car, at any venue. With such a strong start to his journey with Jankowski Motorsports, Eric’s drive to keep learning and growing was evident. His story at Laguna Seca may not have ended in victory, but it certainly set the stage for more successes to come.