Johns inks full-time truck deal with Wyler Racing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Richard Johns won't be disappointed if there aren't many gifts for him under the tree this holiday season -- not after securing a seat in the No. 60 Craftsman Truck Series entry for the 2008-2009 seasons.

"They say dreams come true during the holidays, but this is way beyond anything I could have wished for this year," Johns said. "It's like when I got my first go kart as a kid. At first you can't believe it, and then you can't wait to drive it."

Johns earned the opportunity to wheel the Wyler Racing Toyota this season thanks to a solid Busch Series campaign last year and a productive offseason that allowed the Lawrenceville, Ga., driver to bring sponsor MY HAVE FUN -- America's Family Internet Portal to the table.

"Competing in the [Busch] Series last season was a big boost to my career," said Johns, who piloted the No. 25 Team Rensi entry in 15 events last season. "I learned more about racing in those 15 events than I did throughout the rest of my driving career.

"Then, we were able to make contact with Rick Beaman and his technology based consulting group and they were extremely excited about going racing with the MY HAVE FUN -- America's Family Internet Portal brand in the Truck Series. That allowed us to network our deal with Wyler Racing and get on the fast track toward the 2008 season."

Johns has been on the fast track since competing in his first go kart race at age 9. After tours in the PASS and Southern All Stars Truck Series, Johns graduated to the Georgia Asphalt Series and American Speed Association Late Model ranks before breaking through into the Nationwide Series a year ago.

Wyler Racing's No. 60 Toyota was driven by Jack Sprague last season. Sprague finished ninth in points with six top-fives, 10 top-10s and a win in the season-opening race at Daytona.

"It's going to be different going from a veteran driver like Jack [Sprague] last year to a young, up and coming one like Richard this season," said Tom Buzze, general manager at Wyler Racing. "We still have the same great team that won races last season and, if anything, we think we've strengthened our organization over the off season. We're looking forward to getting Richard in here to start working with our team and Toyota. I know he's excited about it too."