The Mobil Economy Run, told by Chad Johnson, the only remaining person to tell the tale... and the inspector of the competing cars from 1952-67, and member of the tech staff.
My name is Chad Johnson, and was the owner of "Chad Johnson Auto Repair", Burbank, California. (From 1946-1986). My age is 97, and I live in a retirement community in Palm Desert, California. I joined the run in 1952 as an inspector, and reported to Mr. A. C. Pillsbury, AAA, and Mr. Frank Meunier, Mobil Oil Company. I was involved in every event from 1952, including the last run to Boston, in 1967. After a few years, I became a member of the technical staff, and spent much time each summer with both of these gentlemen, plus other members of the technical staff to make changes in the operation of the event. Our main objective was to make the event as fair as possible, and I think we succeeded. The run it’s self is only the culmination of many months of hard work by many people. I would like to give you my observation of the workings before the start of the run. Prior to my participation in 1952, it was my understanding that the entry cars were brought in to an impound area by...
