The WPI/NTPA office was recently notified of the passing on Sunday, April 16 of Dennis L. Johnson, 75, of Fairbury, Nebraska. Mr. Johnson competed in Super Stock divisions with his “Shagnasty” and “Shagnastyeerr” Allis-Chalmers/AGCO.
A lifelong farmer, Mr. Johnson was active on the national circuit beginning in 1992, when his D21, piloted by Ernie Conner, competed in the 7,500-lb. class in Macon, Missouri. That result, a 14th of 21, and Mr. Johnson’s own driving debut, a 15th in the 55, came in early August. But by mid-September at the Kansas State Fair, Mr. Johnson had earned his first national win in a pull-off vs. Mr. Conner’s “Bad Medicine” White.
After a year away, the Allis got a facelift in 1997 with AGCO 9670 sheetmetal and an upgraded comparative moniker, “Shagnastyeerr.” The next season, Mr. Johnson participated full-time on the Grand National Circuit and finished fifth in year-end points. Following four regular-season wins in 1999, he was the Supers’ GN Enderle champion, besting four rivals on the grandstand track at Fort Recovery, Ohio.
Mr. Johnson backed off the throttle a bit in 2000 with a partial schedule but still ended up third in Super Stock Open points. Sixth-place finishes followed in 2001 and 2002, after which his appearances on the NTPA’s national scene got fewer and further between. At the turn of the next decade, Mr. Johnson restored the classic D21 tinwork and original “Shagnasty” name with an air-cooled Deutz powerplant underneath.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughter Roni, his brother Mark, and his grandson Zayne.
Visitation for Mr. Johnson’s family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Kroll Funeral Home, 330 North 5th Street, Hebron, Nebraska 68370. His funeral will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Kroll Funeral Home Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com.
We offer our deep sympathies to Roni, Mark, and Mr. Johnson’s many friends in the pulling community.