NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson announced in a recent press conference that he will be competing in the IndyCar Series full-time starting in 2022. This was a surprising announcement for the 46 year-old driver who spent his entire career racing stock cars. Johnson, who has won 7 NASCAR Cup titles, is one of the most successful drivers of all-time. He will be a part of the Chip Ganassi Racing team.
Jimmie Johnson began racing in the NASCAR Cup Series as a full-time racer in 2002. He won his first race on April 28th, 2002 in the NAPA Auto Parts 500 at the California Speedway. In 2003, Johnson won the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time in his career. He won the All-Star Race again in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Johnson had a breakout year in 2006 where he won his first Daytona 500, his first Brickyard 400, and his first NASCAR Cup title. He was named Driver of the year for his efforts. An honor that he would achieve again in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Johnson won the Daytona 500 again in 2013, and the Brickyard 400 in 2008, 2009, and 2012. He was also the Coca-Cola 600 winner in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2014. Johnson has made his mark in NASCAR greatness with 7 NASCAR Cup titles (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2016), 83 race wins, 374 top ten finishes, and 36 poles in a total of 686 races in a 20-year span. His 7 NASCAR Cup titles is tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. for most all-time.
Jimmie Johnson’s switch to the IndyCar series isn’t the first time a notable driver switched racing styles. Danica Patrick switched from IndyCar to NASCAR in 2012, and participated in stock car racing full-time until 2017.
The 2022 IndyCar Series season will open up with a road race on February 27th in Saint Petersburg, Florida. The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on May 29th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson will be racing the number 48 car for Chip Ganassi Racing.
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