NASCAR Legend Comes Out of Retirement

Jimmie Johnson Returns to NASCAR

With eight Cup Series wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson is a NASCAR legend. However, despite his success, the seven-time champion has never felt more unprepared for a race than he does heading into Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600.

“A couple hours (testing) in Phoenix is the only comparable oval experience I’ve had,” Johnson said. “We had 30 to 40 laps in a simulator and that’s been it. I want to survive the first stage (Sunday) and go from there.”

Retired from full-time stock car racing in 2020, Johnson is participating in select marquee Cup races this year for Legacy Motor Club, which he co-owns. He’s also racing on other circuits, including next month’s 24 hours of Le Mans, as he works to bring more name recognition to his brand.

However, this means he’s had limited experience in the NextGen car, which debuted in 2022. Johnson ran the Daytona 500 and at Circuit of the Americas this year in the No. 84 Chevrolet, but hasn’t competed at a 1.5-mile oval like Charlotte Motor Speedway. With rain threatening to wipe out practice and qualifying Saturday, Johnson could be stepping into the car cold when the race begins Sunday night, leaving him a bit unsettled.

Modest Expectations

Despite his impressive track record, Johnson’s expectations for the Coca-Cola 600 are modest.

“A top 10 or top 15 would be an awesome finish for us,” Johnson said.

Johnson is “excited, invigorated and exhausted” since joining Maurice Gallagher last year as co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, the team formerly known as Petty GMS Motorsports. However, on the track, it’s been a rough season for the team. Full-time drivers Erik Jones and Noah Gragson are 25th and 32nd in Cup points, and neither has a top-five finish this season.

“We have a massive effort on our hands to figure out many ways to improve. I’m proud of everything going on. I can’t ask for more effort from everyone involved. We just need more consistency,” Johnson said.

Looking Ahead

The rain, which is forecast to continue throughout the weekend, also threatens to put a damper on Johnson’s plans to fly to Paris next week to begin preparations for his latest racing adventure at Le Mans, another of his coveted global marquee events.

“It’s feeling very real,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity. I honestly don’t know what to expect. Right now, it’s great excitement and curiosity.”

After Le Mans, Johnson plans to return home to continue building Legacy’s foundation, which will transition to Toyota cars next season.

“It’s been an exciting adventure that I’ve embarked on here,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting to be in this new element. I truly feel like that I’m part of something that’s going to be a force in the future of NASCAR.”

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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