Eddie Johnson

Edward 'Eddie' Johnson (10 February 1919 - 15 June 1974): American racing driver from Richmond, Virginia, who competed in Formula One at the 1952 Indianapolis 500. Participated in one World Championship race, retiring from the event with mechanical failure. Johnson's racing career was focused exclusively on American oval racing, competing on dirt tracks and paved speedways throughout the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. His single Formula One championship appearance came during the period when the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship from 1950-1960, though most American drivers never competed in European Formula One events.

Raced primarily on the AAA Championship Car circuit (predecessor to USAC) before the split between Indianapolis and European Formula One became permanent. Johnson represented the generation of American oval track specialists whose connection to Formula One existed only through Indianapolis' championship status, highlighting the divergence between American and European racing traditions. Passed away in 1974 at age 55. His Formula One 'career' of a single Indianapolis retirement exemplifies how the championship's inclusion of the 500 created statistical anomalies, with drivers who never intended to participate in grand prix racing earning World Championship race starts.