MEDIA: This Exec Takes His Mind Of Work When He's Doing 260km/h
Tony Johnson is executive director of Villawood Properties. He lives in Melbourne.
When did you start racing and why?
Six years ago. I’d wanted to do it since I was young. I was introduced to it by Stephen Gorman, formerly of Bendigo Bank (now Chief Risk Officer at RedZed). He was at me to do it for years. We had a 25-year relationship with Bendigo Bank: we grew up with them. We’re very close buddies because of the professional and racing friendship.
Type of car, and what did it cost?
I race a fully worked BMW E90. It cost about $100,000.
Why motorsport?
I’m a petrol-head. Many people have the same disease. I race for the excitement and competition. I’ve done a lot of motorcycle riding and trackwork too. It can be very dangerous. I consider cars slightly less dangerous than doing 260km/h on two wheels, so I’ve switched from bikes to cars.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Start with a simple vehicle. Remember, everyone has white line fever, but you’re only racing for a $25 trophy, so enjoy the moment.
What motivates you?
What racing is about, whether its a bike or a car is focusing 110 percent on what you’re doing. If you don’t, it can be very expensive or painful. Racing gives you the opportunity to take your mind off business and other things. It puts you in a different mode: it’s a bit of a brain-cleanser.
Read the full article featured in the Australian Financial Review, July 4 2022
