Team: Full Throttle - Targa Newfoundland

Driver: John Johnson

Co-driver: Norm Murdock

Car: 1953 Studebaker Champion two-door coupe

Division: Targa 2

Country: United States

*John Johnson and Norm Murdock raced a custom Studebaker in Targa. (Photo: Ralph Saulnier)*

Classic Studebaker roars through Targa

It was an unusual choice for Targa Newfoundland but the 1953 Studebaker coupe of Dr. John Johnson and his co-driver Norm Murdock from Ohio sure made an impression on everyone who saw it … and heard it roar.

Built to race the classic rally through Mexico – La Carrera Panamericana – the Studebaker sounds like a beast as it rumbles to life and rips through the course. It is powered by a short stroke Chevrolet 306 with a Jerico dog box, Ford 9-inch, and NASCAR chassis.

*Full Throttle living up to its name on a Targa stage. (Photo: Larry Strung)*

John is a dental surgeon who specializes in ceramic implants. Dr. Johnson, DDS is a certified expert in Swiss Dental Solutions ceramic implants, having travelled to Switzerland to train directly with Dr. Volz, the innovator behind the system that offers a metal-free alternative to titanium. John and his wife Deborah, live on their organic working farm outside of Mt. Vernon, Ohio raising grass-fed cows, free range chickens, Belgian draft horses, dogs and cats.

“This isn’t a sponsored campaign—it’s a personal journey,” said John. It’s a way to live with the same precision and passion he brings to patient care.

Norm is a long-time racer who started Team Blitz in 1979 to sell performance parts for the Ford Capri and manage his racing efforts. It’s now a leading supplier of Capri parts to customers in North America and internationally. He also founded the Capri Club of North America. When he’s not behind the wheel, he provides expert advice in government relations. He also describes himself as an occasional farmer, writer, motorcyclist, globetrotter, and cook.

A racing clutch proved problematic for the pair and put the car in the Three King Auto and Transmission shop in St. John’s for the first part of the rally. Once they got a new clutch installed, they were off to the races though they still needed the occasional push start to get going.

“The car suffered serious clutch, carb, and exhaust issues throughout the week, and we were lucky to run half of the event,” said Norm. “But it was the fan favorite whenever we could run. Fast and gnarly loud.”

While the beast may not have been a contender for the win in Targa 2, it certainly entertained the crowds of spectators and other competitors. We hope to see the pair back again.