However, not long after the rise in popularity, Crash Simpson discovered that he had cancer and was going to die soon. While practicing continuously, the Crash Simpson Stunt Show continued to prosper. One day as Johnny was practicing, Roxanne stumbled into his tent, discovering Johnny's riding skills.
However, he continued to practice and improve his riding, keeping this a secret. Keeping his promise to Mona, Johnny never rode in a motorcycle show. After those words, she passed away - making them the last she would ever speak in this life. From her hospital bed, Mona Simpson had one request for Johnny Blaze: that he would never ride in the motorcycle shows ever again. However, as she approached Johnny, the motorcycle exploded - putting Mona into the hospital. Mona immediately ran over to see if Johnny was alright. Roxanne jumped off the motorcycle, but Johnny continued to ride it in an attempt to prevent the tent they were practicing in from burning to the ground. One day, while Johnny and Roxanne were practicing a motorcycle stunt, the motorcycle caught on fire, about to explode. Upon his adoption, Johnny lived with Crash, his wife Mona, and his daughter Roxanne.
Not long after his father's death, Johnny Blaze was adopted by Crash Simpson. When Barton Blaze suddenly died in a stunt accident, Johnny's world was turned upside down as he lost the last of his family. Working for a man by the name of Crash Simpson, Barton Blaze and his son Johnny became accustomed to the life of a carnival. Johnny Blaze was the son of a motorcycle stunt rider named Barton Blaze.