NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Johnny Benson is seen here signing autographs at the Sam's Town 400 at Texas motor Speedway. (VPS Motorimages Photo)

Johnny Benson is known for his on-track endeavors in all three series of NASCAR racing.

He was the 1996 Nextel Cup Raybestos' Rookie of the Year, the 1995 Busch Series champion and is also a winner in the Craftsman Truck Series ranks. But, there's more to the experienced and talented driver with a winning resume.

Benson is also a track owner.

The native of Grand Rapids, MI became involved with his home track of Berlin Raceway several years ago. Before you think he owns the whole thing, he wants everyone to know he's a part owner of the facility under a limited liability partnership.

He just happens to own the most well-known name of the ownership group.

"My dad is a seven-time champion at the track and an opportunity came along for someone to buy the place," Benson said. "The other owner of 50 years passed away and the track went up for auction.

"I was outbid by the local AAA baseball team and thought that was that. Then, I got a call from them asking if I was still interested in running the track. Our group came together and we were able to take over the dirt track that's been a big part of my family's life.

"More importantly, we were able to keep a track open that many racers and other families counted on to race at during the season. That was the best part of the deal."

Aerial view of Berlin Raceway. (BerlinRaceway.com Photo)

While many folks who sit in the grandstands and run the races think the owner's have it made with all the money coming in, Benson learned real fast that isn't the case. He's been behind the wheel for most of his 41 years, but until the involvement in Berlin he didn't really realize all it took to get a track ready for the green flag.

"A lot goes into putting a race night together besides swinging open the gates and selling tickets," Benson said. "The operations side is something I didn't realize how involved that was in getting ready for race night. There's track prep, cleaning up the grounds, getting the concession stands stocked and other details.

"Another part of it I wasn't anticipating was the complaints. From the fans to the drivers; everyone seems to have an opinion on how things should be done. I'm all about listening to them and I like to hear what our people have to say.

"We're in area experiencing a down economy right now and we're doing everything we can to stay above water. If it can make our place better, then I'm all for hearing from our fans and drivers. You can't just ignore their input."

With the disadvantages to every business, there are also the advantages. Benson and his group aren't into the ownership for a fast buck. They realized what Berlin Raceway meant to them, and to everyone involved with the facility.

That was one of the main reasons they pursued ownership of the facility.

"This place was around for 50 years before we took over," Benson said. "I care about the racers and I saw this as an opportunity to take care of them. I'm one myself and still enjoy getting to Berlin to race once in awhile; even though some of the other drivers might not like it. (Laughs a little)

"Believe me, I have no advantage whatsoever when I come up here and race. I try to get up here to do that four times a year. I want to stay involved as much as possible because there are a lot of great people involved with Berlin.

"As far as my name recognition bringing fans to the track; I'd like to think it helps more than it hurts. (Laughs) Seriously, if they ever call and need me to help sell a sponsorship, they know I'll do it in a heartbeat. I don't actually sell them myself and I think I've had to make one phone call in four years."

"I get a lot of satisfaction from helping others and I hope we're able to do that for the next 50 years Berlin Raceway is around, too."

Benson is one of many NASCAR drivers who own facilities around the country. Tony Stewart now owns Eldora (OH) Speedway, Ken Schrader owns I-55 (MO) Raceway and Dave Blaney is involved with his family's hometown track of Sharon (OH) Speedway.

So, does Benson seek advice from his fellow driver/track owners in the NASCAR ranks?

"Oh yeah, we talk about it when we see each other," Benson said. "Schrader usually asks how our car counts are and what type of crowd we're drawing each week. Blaney and I will talk about it some, too.

"It's good to see driver's in our ranks becoming involved with our roots again. It's where we started to race and where we might end up racing when this is all over."

"I get a lot of satisfaction from helping others and I hope we're able to do that for the next 50 years Berlin Raceway is around, too."

For more information on Berlin Raceway, visit BerlinRaceway.com.