Jimmie Johnson gave the best years of his athletic life to NASCAR and received plenty in return.
When he decided to walk away from the sport and spotlight after the 2020 season, Johnson was not finished racing. Like the fine-tuned machines he drives, the 46-year-old is not built to sit in neutral.
Johnson’s extraordinary run in stock cars — 83 Cup Series wins, 7 championships and more than $150 million in on-track earnings — provided him the freedom to get behind the wheel of whatever, whenever and wherever he chooses.
“I’ve had the success which makes it easier for me to put myself out on this limb,” Johnson told The Orlando Sentinel this week. “I’m doing it for the purest of reasons because I love to compete and I love to drive cool cars, and I’m still able to do that.
“I’m trying to take any opportunity I can to drive.”
This weekend, Johnson will participate in the 60th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, North America’s showcase sports-car race. Johnson then will travel to Sweden to drive an electric rally car during the Race of Champions at Pite Havsbad Piteå in northern Sweden, where the race will be staged for the first time on a snow and ice track.
When Johnson returns from the Scandinavian chill, he will turn his laser focus to gaining ground during his second season in IndyCar — this time as a full-time driver for Chip Ganassi Racing.
A presumed dalliance with a different racing style in 2021 has become Johnson’s obsession in 2022.
“I am a bit surprised that I’ve signed up for so much,” he said.
Many quickly wrote off Johnson as an interloper out of his league when he failed to record a single top-15 finish.
JJ and NASCAR will be initials intertwined throughout motorsports history. Johnson and open-wheel racing did not appear to be a good fit.
Johnson, though, took his lumps and learned.
The biggest lesson: “Identifying with how much aggression you have to drive with these lightweight cars.”
IndyCars weigh about 1,350 pounds and reach speeds of 230 mph while a NASCAR vehicle averages 3,000 pounds and reaches speeds a shade above 200 miles an hour on the sport’s superspeedways like Daytona. IndyCars also lack power steering and feature wider, softer tires offering superior grip yet requiring a driver to quickly raise their temperature to improve the tires’ tackiness.
IndyCars swerving furiously at a race’s outset heats up the tires. Johnson too often found himself zigging while experienced drivers zagged.
“That was so tricky … to turn the tires on so that you then had the grip to go chase,” Johnson explained. “Being cautious and trying to have a smart approach with my years in a big heavy vehicle just didn’t work so well. Every tenth [of a second] you lose is a tenth you’re going to have to earn back the hard way.”
Johnson’s sixth sense in NASCAR allowed him to calculate his odds and capitalize on his chances, but after 16 straight seasons with a win he endured 111 straight races without a victory.
Even so, Johnson’s exit was the end of an era, when he, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. raised NASCAR’s popularity to its peak.
Johnson now aims to make his name and earn respect in other racing disciplines.
Johnson’s ninth appearance in the famed Rolex 24 might be his best chance for a win after 2021′s runner-up finish.
Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi, a three-time Rolex 24 winner, will again spearhead the team. 2010 winner Mike Rockenfeller of Germany and endurance racing champion Jose Maria Lopez of Argentina will complete a formidable quartet.
“I don’t know if you even can say it, but somehow we’ve strengthened our driver lineup,” Johnson said. “I’m not sure it increases our chance to win any, but I’m just another level of pride at the opportunity I get to participate.”
Johnson’s humility and gratitude have served him well. He is likely to need them as he embarks on the next step of a journey he did not see coming.
“I just feel like I needed to change the pace,” he said. “I spent 25ish years in NASCAR, very proud, enjoyed every minute of it. Many people have a career and in their 40s, 50s transition into something new. I guess I’m following that similar path, although I’m in athletics and it’s uncommon.”
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Ethan Miller
The cost to attend an NFL game is the most expensive among the major four sports leagues with an average cost of $157.07. The cheapest NFL team to watch live is the Cincinnati Bengals with an average cost of $105.69. Here are the five most expensive.
Ethan Miller
The cost to attend an NFL game is the most expensive among the major four sports leagues with an average cost of $157.07. The cheapest NFL team to watch live is the Cincinnati Bengals with an average cost of $105.69. Here are the five most expensive.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Ethan Miller
The Las Vegas Raiders moved into Allegiant Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. Among NFL teams, the Raiders have the most expensive general admission ticket ($153.47), most expensive beer ($13) and most expensive hot dogs ($7.50).
Ethan Miller
The Las Vegas Raiders moved into Allegiant Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. Among NFL teams, the Raiders have the most expensive general admission ticket ($153.47), most expensive beer ($13) and most expensive hot dogs ($7.50).
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Daniel Shirey
Levi's Stadium opened in 2014. To attend a San Francisco 49ers game is the second-most expensive among NFL teams and third-most expensive among all four major sports leagues.
Daniel Shirey
Levi's Stadium opened in 2014. To attend a San Francisco 49ers game is the second-most expensive among NFL teams and third-most expensive among all four major sports leagues.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Tom Pennington
The parking at AT&T Stadium is the most expensive of all the four major sports leagues. It costs more for parking at a Dallas Cowboys game ($75) than attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game ($70.66).
Tom Pennington
The parking at AT&T Stadium is the most expensive of all the four major sports leagues. It costs more for parking at a Dallas Cowboys game ($75) than attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game ($70.66).
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The Los Angeles Rams moved into SoFi Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. The Rams sell the most expensive hot dogs among NFL teams with an average price of $7.50.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The Los Angeles Rams moved into SoFi Stadium prior to the 2020-21 season. The Rams sell the most expensive hot dogs among NFL teams with an average price of $7.50.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Dylan Buell
The Green Bay Packers are the only franchise owned by stockholders. The average price for a Green Bay Packers fan to attend a game at Lambeau Field with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $192.93.
Dylan Buell
The Green Bay Packers are the only franchise owned by stockholders. The average price for a Green Bay Packers fan to attend a game at Lambeau Field with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $192.93.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Alex Goodlett
An average New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden will cost fans $260.38, the most expensive of all of the four major sports leagues. Among NBA teams, the Knicks have the most expensive general admission tickets ($180.78), most expensive parking ($45) and most expensive hot dog ($8.50).
Alex Goodlett
An average New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden will cost fans $260.38, the most expensive of all of the four major sports leagues. Among NBA teams, the Knicks have the most expensive general admission tickets ($180.78), most expensive parking ($45) and most expensive hot dog ($8.50).
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Ezra Shaw
The Golden State Warriors moved into Chase Center before the 2019-20 season and became the second-most expensive NBA game to attend with an average cost of $230.30. The Warriors sell the most expensive hot dogs in the NBA with an average cost of $8.50.
Ezra Shaw
The Golden State Warriors moved into Chase Center before the 2019-20 season and became the second-most expensive NBA game to attend with an average cost of $230.30. The Warriors sell the most expensive hot dogs in the NBA with an average cost of $8.50.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Sean M. Haffey
It's no surprise that attending a Los Angeles Lakers game is expensive. The average cost for Lakers fans to attend a game at Staple Center with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $190.76.
Sean M. Haffey
It's no surprise that attending a Los Angeles Lakers game is expensive. The average cost for Lakers fans to attend a game at Staple Center with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $190.76.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Elsa
The TD Garden has been the home of the Boston Celtics since 1995. The average price for a Boston Celtics fan to attend a game at TD Garden with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $167.16.
Elsa
The TD Garden has been the home of the Boston Celtics since 1995. The average price for a Boston Celtics fan to attend a game at TD Garden with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $167.16.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs with a 22-43 record during the 2019-20 season, the United Center was still the fifth-most expensive NBA stadium to attend a game with an average cost of $154.01.
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs with a 22-43 record during the 2019-20 season, the United Center was still the fifth-most expensive NBA stadium to attend a game with an average cost of $154.01.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Adam Glanzman
While it's not as cheap as the average price to attend an MLB game, an NHL game is still reasonable compared to an NFL or NBA game. The average cost for a NHL game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $114.47.
Adam Glanzman
While it's not as cheap as the average price to attend an MLB game, an NHL game is still reasonable compared to an NFL or NBA game. The average cost for a NHL game with two beers, a hot dog and parking is $114.47.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Bruce Bennett
Even though an average New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden isn't as expensive as a New York Knicks game, it's still the most expensive game to attend in the NHL with an average cost of $182.43. The Rangers also sell the most expensive beer in the league, which will set a fan back $15.
Bruce Bennett
Even though an average New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden isn't as expensive as a New York Knicks game, it's still the most expensive game to attend in the NHL with an average cost of $182.43. The Rangers also sell the most expensive beer in the league, which will set a fan back $15.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Bruce Bennett
The parking at TD Garden for a Boston Bruins game will cost an average of $29, the most expensive among NHL teams.Including a ticket, two beers, a hot dog and the parking, a Bruins game will cost an average of $162.36.
Bruce Bennett
The parking at TD Garden for a Boston Bruins game will cost an average of $29, the most expensive among NHL teams.Including a ticket, two beers, a hot dog and the parking, a Bruins game will cost an average of $162.36.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Claus Andersen
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the most popular hockey team in Canada, and the ticket prices prove it. Scotiabank Arena offers the most expensive general admissions ticket in the NHL with an average ticket costing $128.69.
Claus Andersen
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the most popular hockey team in Canada, and the ticket prices prove it. Scotiabank Arena offers the most expensive general admissions ticket in the NHL with an average ticket costing $128.69.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division during the 2019-20 season, the United Center still sets a fan back $153.63 to attend an NHL game.
Jonathan Daniel
Even though the Chicago Blackhawks finished last in the Central Division during the 2019-20 season, the United Center still sets a fan back $153.63 to attend an NHL game.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Ethan Miller
The newest addition to the NHL is the Las Vegas Golden Knights and T-Mobile Arena where the average price to attend a game is $153.36. The Golden Knights are home to the most expensive hot dog in the NHL, which will cost a fan $7.
Ethan Miller
The newest addition to the NHL is the Las Vegas Golden Knights and T-Mobile Arena where the average price to attend a game is $153.36. The Golden Knights are home to the most expensive hot dog in the NHL, which will cost a fan $7.
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson’s second act gaining speed
Sean Gardner/Getty Images North America/TNS
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, holds his daughter, Lydia Norriss on the grid prior to the NTT IndyCar Series Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 14, 2021 in Indianapolis. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images/TNS)
Sean Gardner/Getty Images North America/TNS
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, holds his daughter, Lydia Norriss on the grid prior to the NTT IndyCar Series Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 14, 2021 in Indianapolis. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images/TNS)
