My very good friend Mel Johnson was admitted back into the hospital on sunday morning. Mel has been in and out of the hospital for a few years battling cancer and the illnesses that go with it. We usually keep it all low key as Mel really don't like the publicity or people to worry about him. He is a very strong willed man that i admire very very much. He has taught me so much the past 5 years. I can't even begin to tell you what Mel and his family mean to me. Anyhow, Mel is at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Northern Ky. and at this point in time is doing much better than earlier in the week. I have spent most of the week with him, and when he was able to speak to me, all he was worried about was how much rain we had and how the track was looking.
If you could all say a little prayer for my dear friend i would appreciate it very much. I will keep you all updated with anymore news. And i know when he finds out i put this on the website he's going to be mad at me. I had alot of phone calls about his condition and figured the fastest way to get the news out was here.
Thanks you, Dave Rudisell

Tell Mel and family that my thoughts and prayers are with them. I only became aware of it about a year ago and nobody wanted to treat it as a big deal. Expecially him. Mel's always been coridial with me with a hellow. I knew he always cared about the track as I seen him all the time even when he wasn't running it.

Take care Mel. Hang in there buddy!
Chuck

Dave,

Thanks for the info. I have never met Mel but in times like these our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. After all, we are all family in the racing world.

Dave,

Thanks for the update. Mel and his family have been in my thoughts and prayers this week. God Bless the Johnson family!

Chad

Thanks Dave for the update Mel Johnson never went by a racer and never said HI he has always been so strong on wanting the BURG to always be NOT DUSTY and fast. I will keep him and the family in my PRAYERS very strong. Love you all very much, your friend always. Butch Wilkerson #1

Thoughts and Prayers to the entire family....

Mel so glad you are feeling better. We will keep praying till you are back with us at "the burg"
Posted via Mobile Device

The Gilbert family will keep Mel in our thoughts and prayers.

Mel you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have been a huge asset to this sport. You have always brought a smile to my face when I see you in the pits. Get well soon buddy and we shall see you soon.

I've known Mel since back in the day when he was a starting guard on the Aurora Red Devils basketball team. He was tough as nails then and that quality still serves well him in this fight today.

Thoughts and prayers old buddy. Here's hoping you're out from between those sheets and feeling better very soon. I think it's my turn to buy breakfast.