Jimmie Johnson makes feelings clear on ‘second go’ – Sports News
Jimmie Johnson has no regrets about extending his NASCAR profession into a “second go” of racing, the seven-time champion mentioned this week, as he prepares to close out his Cup Series profession for good on the 2027 Daytona 500.
Johnson formally retired from full-time competitors following the 2020 NASCAR season however has since made 16 part-time begins driving the No. 84 for Legacy Motor Club, the workforce he co-owns.
“I’m on my second go of this,” Johnson mentioned Friday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “Certainly from a Cup standpoint, my final time in a Cup car will be there at the Daytona 500 in 2027. I am quite occupied in and quite motivated, invigorated, filling that competitive purpose bucket as an owner at Legacy Motor Club.”
He added: “It really is time for me to stay focused on that on Sundays. If an off-road truck opportunity pops up or something else, I’m definitely open to it. But fully focused on Legacy.”
Johnson will drive a Legacy Motor Club Toyota bearing his iconic No. 48, the quantity he made well-known throughout his complete full-time Hendrick Motorsports profession.
Hendrick Motorsports founder Rick Hendrick introduced the association during a “NASCAR Nation Pre-Race” look on TNT Sports, confirming Hendrick had agreed to loan Johnson the quantity for the historic sendoff.
“This is far more than a number,” Johnson mentioned in a release. “The 48 represents people, relationships, memories and a chapter of my life that shaped who I am. To have the opportunity to make one final Cup Series start carrying that number is something I never imagined. I’m incredibly grateful to Rick, Hendrick Motorsports, Ally and everyone who made this possible. It’s a gesture I’ll carry with me forever.”
Johnson made his Cup Series debut within the No. 48 in 2001 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and carried the quantity by 686 of his 702 profession begins, profitable all 83 of his races and every of his seven championships with it on the door.
His most up-to-date look within the No. 48 got here during the 2020 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
Hendrick mirrored on the importance of the reunion. “The No. 48 is part of Hendrick Motorsports’ history, and it’s forever connected to Jimmie,” Hendrick mentioned. “When Jimmie asked about using the number for his final race, it just felt right. Ally immediately understood why it mattered, too. They’ve always valued relationships, and their willingness to be part of this says everything about the kind of partner they are. Seeing Jimmie back in the No. 48 at Daytona one last time will be quite a moment.”
The 2027 Daytona 500, scheduled for February 21, will mark the 703rd and remaining begin of Johnson’s Hall of Fame profession, capping a résumé that features seven championships and two earlier Daytona 500 victories, in 2006 and 2013.
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