Blind Sight

Charlie Johnson

August 23, 2022

"You can watch the train go by or you can get on it and be somebody." Those are words that mechanic Charlie Johnson's father would say and they held great weight when Charlie lost his eyesight at age 39. He was faced with a choice, allow the darkness that had become his world to overtake him or channel the knowledge he had and get on the train.

The choice to be somebody and make the most of his life wasn't easy. Charlie encountered severe depression and came to terms with the reality of a life without sight. His can-do attitude and drive to succeed has fooled many onlookers. It has helped him to thrive, even with his disability. Charlie has restored an old Chevy truck, does landscaping, pours concrete and is Crew Chief for his son Tyler Noble in the Midwest Truck Series.

In Charlie's mind there isn't anything he can't do on his son's truck. He developed a special tool to help him measure adjustments and constantly references his visual memories to guide his tinkering hands. Tyler is in his sophomore season of racing and relies heavily on his father's knowledge and experience. That trust is key to their success and has strengthened their relationship.