Many times we do well at races because we drove the best, or the car simply handled better than everyone else’s. And there are times when we do well because we simply answered the call. As many 360 teams held out in protest to Madera Speedway, Madera Native Carl Johnson simply answered the call. "This race means everything to me, not only because it is the Harvest Classic and I am a farmer, but because for me it reminds me of my relationships with those that meant so much to me and my racing career."  Carl went on to speak about how Ro Tatro (Founder of Tatro Racing) was not only like a 2nd father, but how instrumental he was in supporting his desire to race.  You don’t need to look far to understand the relationship between Lance Tatro and Carl Johnson. Carl served as a vital member of the team’s first Super Modified Track Championship in 1993. From there, the two have supported each other's needs, much in the same way that brother normally would. After Lance’s father passed away in 2005, Carl has been a huge support for Lance and the family’s farming operations. "Supporting Carl in racing is what I need to do... Not because of what he has done for me, but because of what our families mean to one another." 
     On Saturday, Carl was going for a landmark in his racing career... Not only his first finish... yes finish, but his first win as well. "We have helped Carl with his preparation, and how he goes about his approach to racing. Our team believes that it is vitally important to be dedicated and to constantly work at improvement. “Carl for the first time is doing that, and he is working hard to change how he does things” Tatro said. He now looks to improve instead of doing the minimum to participate, and his equipment is showing that. Carl's car is one of the prettiest and best maintained in the 360 class, and it was just a matter of time before the dividend started to pay off. On Saturday, September 17th, Carl Johnson finished his first race, and as a bonus, won the 360 class main event. Yes, he answered the call when others decided to sit, and as a result, he drove his Johnson racing machine to a fourth overall place in the Super Saturday event and was the first 360 to cross the finish line.  For all of us at Tatro Racing, we would like to say congratulations to our teammate and friend Carl Johnson for an awesome finish. As well, Congrates to Kyle Vanderpool for setting a blistering pace in his Super Saturday win.