A few weeks ago, I sat down with my brother-in-law to watch the NASCAR race in Phoenix. As the race unfolded, I started to recognize many similarities between NASCAR and my passion for trout fishing. Cars circling the track in almost meditative fashion; drivers with a focused intensity awaiting the few moments of excitement when passing or avoiding a car hurtling out of control … not unlike the rhythm I enter when casting, the controlled concentration when targeting a rise over a slow run, or the excitement when a trout is on.
However, it took the venerable Smith River Chapter in Virginia to enlighten me to the fact that the similarities go beyond the sport itself: NASCAR drivers, Jimmie Johnson in particular, also know how to give back, the true mark of the complete angler and TU member.
Credit: Smith River: Brian Williams; Martinsville Speedway: NASCAR
Last October, Johnson visited Rich Acres Elementary School where he helped release student-raised trout into the Smith River and learned about TU’s Trout in the Classroom program. The program, brought to the school by Dr. David Jones and supported by the students, teachers, administrators, the Dan River Basin Association, and TU’s Smith River Chapter, helps students learn about science in a real-world setting and connect them back to the resource.
Photo Credit: Brian Williams
“This is great to see. We do some things through our Jimmie Johnson Foundation and
try to find ways through science to capture students’ minds and this has given me great ideas. This is a fantastic program. I’m glad to be here today to learn,” Johnson said.
Beyond his visit, as Johnson notes, he also gives back through his foundation. Although the foundation is focused on K-12 education, he has supported conservation, bone marrow donation, and many other causes.
What a wonderful example of someone who is a passionate sportsman, someone who shares that passion with a broad community, and ultimately gives back. That is the definition of the TU member—the complete angler.
My only hope is that we will see more examples of this from Johnson and his fellow drivers on the race track. Selfishly, given the similarities in our sports, my hope is that they bring that passion and desire to give back to trout fishing and to TU.
Photo Credit: Smith River, Darrin Doss
By Lisa "Cricket" Hall April 24, 2012 - 4:58 am
This was an absolutely amazing experience and huge success for our TIC program! Meeting Jimmy Johnson was a pleasant unexpected surprise. I was asked to set up the tub-o-bugs presentation for the release. The best part of the whole thing for me, was when the teacher told those kids that the tub-o-bugs table was open. Watching the kids stampede right past Jimmy Johnson and were so excited to play with some Macros! Seeing that enthusiasm supercharged my personal crusade to get our youth outside and a fly rod into their hands! Thank you to all that made this event possible. A special Thank you to Jimmy, for taking the time to making a difference. He is a true champion and not just on the race track.
By Dietmar Grimm April 24, 2012 - 3:09 pm
I’m really happy to hear what a wonderful experience it was for you and the kids. Members like you are what make TU great!
By Brian Williams April 24, 2012 - 3:30 pm
This was a fantastic day for these kids and we appreciate Jimmie taking the time out of his schedule to share in the experience. We had special T-shirts made with “I Raced to the River with Jimmie Johnson” and our TIC logo on them. Jimmie is a fly fishermen and we talked about some of his recent trips, and hope to get him on the river next time he is in Martinsville. He is an all around great guy and his love for the outdoors and our natural resources is evident. He gives back to the community as well through his foundation…and man can that guy drive a race car !!
By Dietmar Grimm April 24, 2012 - 3:54 pm
Brian — thanks for the comments. Very cool idea with the shirts!
What seems great about Jimmie is that, although he is an amazing athlete, he is in many ways just like any TU member: someone who loves to fish and knows that we need to protect the resource with and for future generations. Great work to you and the rest of the team on the Smith River!
By Al Kittredge April 24, 2012 - 8:51 pm
Great to see that folks like Jimmy Johnson have not forgotten their roots. I wasn’t there for this event but have seen some of the media coverage and talked to folks who participated and it will be remembered for a long time. I’ve helped with TIC releases and can attest to the fact the kids now harbor a special relationship with the Smith River and surrounding area. Kudos to Jimmy for making a special day.
By Dietmar Grimm April 25, 2012 - 11:10 am
Al – Definitely agree. Great news is that we’re not the only ones supporting Jimmy. Turns out he was named Forbes most influential athlete!
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2012/04/23/americas-most-influential-athletes/
https://www.facebook.com/JimmieJohnson/posts/10151560812700005