Hired in 1897 by FR Simms Johnson became the first secretary of the Royal Automobile Club ( RAC ) where he organised the club 's Thousand Mile trial of 1900 .
FR Simms had noted his organisational ability and public relations flair .
Hired in 1897 by FR Simms , who had noted his organisational ability and public relations flair , Johnson became the first secretary of the Royal Automobile Club ( RAC ) where he organised the club 's Thousand Mile trial of 1900 .