Rookie driver R.J. Johnson of Canyon Country won his first career race Saturday night, in the King Taco
Super Trucks series race at Toyota Irwindale Speedway.

Johnson started from the back of the pack and had to avoid a few wrecks on his way to victory.

"The most gratifying part is I started way back," Johnson said. "I had to earn it."

Johnson, who turned 19 on Sept. 3, is fourth in the Super Trucks standings and has all but clinched the Rookie of the Year.

Meanwhile, Connor Cantrell of Valencia is now 20 points behind leader Pat Mintey Jr. of Quartz Hill.

The 18-year-old Cantrell, who started the evening 50 points behind the veteran driver, finished third in Saturday's race.

In order to tie for the lead and win the overall points title, Cantrell will have to finish 10 spots ahead of Mintey in Saturday's 100-lap race at Irwindale Speedway.