Ex-NASCAR driver arraigned for allegedly choking a woman in New York

Billy Johnson denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Ex-NASCAR driver arraigned for allegedly choking a woman in New York

Billy Johnson

William Ryan Johnson (also known as Billy Johnson in the motorsports world), an American professional sports car and stock car racing driver, was arraigned on Thursday on charges that he choked a woman in Onondaga, New York. He competed in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017. He also participated in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with five race runs over four years.

Syracuse.com reported the news on Thursday that Billy Johnson was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor. According to the court papers filed with the town court, he was also charged with second-degree harassment and a violation for a domestic dispute on Feb 8th. On Thursday, Johnson appeared in town court virtually. His attorney pleaded not guilty on both counts.

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David Hammond, Billy Johnson’s lawyer, said in a press release, “My client adamantly denies these allegations. We look forward to the truth coming out in the very near future.” Johnson should report back to the court in June. Meanwhile, the racing driver would have to keep his fingers crossed to make the allegations go away. But justice will prevail.

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Billy Johnson replaced Aric Almirola for a Cup Series race in 2017

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Billy Johnson. Image via Billy Johnson Racing.

Billy Johnson made infrequent appearances in his NASCAR Xfinity Series tenure. It lasted from 2010 to 2013. He scored his career-best finish at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2012. Johnson finished eighth after starting from 20th. He was driving for Roush Fenway Racing. In 2017, nearly half a decade after his final start in the Xfinity Series, the 36-year-old returned for a one-off appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series. 

Billy Johnson joined Richard Petty Motorsports for the Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. He drove the No. 43 Ford Fusion substituting for the injured Aric Almirola. He started 26th and finished 22nd. Johnson spent most of his career competing in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. He won six of the ten events and took home the championship in 2016.

Billy Johnson has competed in various historic sports car events throughout his racing career. It includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. He finished fourth in the GTE Pro class in his 23 Hours of Le Mans debut in 2016. Johnson also took part in the Rolex Sports Car Series. He currently drives for Ford Chip Ganassi Racing and competes part-time in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship in the No.66 Ford GT.

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