NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson’s impact felt away from the track

Jimmie Johnson’s accomplishments in the NASCAR Cup Series are well-documented, but his work off the track stands out as well.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Jimmie Johnson made his final start as the full-time driver of the #48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports this past Sunday, November 8 at Phoenix Raceway and finished in fifth place.

Johnson retires from Cup Series competition having won 83 races, tied for the sixth highest win total of all-time, in 686 starts. His seven championships tie him for the most all-time with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

We all know how good the 45-year-old El Cajon, California native, who is now set to move to IndyCar as Chip Ganassi Racing’s road and street course driver of the #48 Honda, has been on the track.

But Jimmie Johnson’s work outside of NASCAR stands out as well.

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Blue Bunny has partnered with Johnson and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting children, families and communities in need, on the Helmet of Hope program since 2012. This partnership has provided financial grants to non-profit organizations that directly support K-12 public education programs.

Blue Bunny has been able to donate $1,160,000 to support the grant recipients and select runners up across the U.S through this longtime partnership, and to commemorate this work, they created “The Ultimate Helmet of Hope” for Johnson ahead of his final start this past Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.

Every year, select organizations receive a grant for their non-profit organizations, and their logos are featured on a special helmet which Johnson then wears, and they celebrate with a Blue Bunny ice cream party. For “The Ultimate Helmet of Hope”, the brand highlighted all 61 grant recipients in a custom helmet.

Take a look.

Here is what Wells Enterprises president and CEO Mike Wells had to say.

"“It has been such an incredible honor working with one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers for the past nine years. Through our work with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Blue Bunny has made an impact on communities across the U.S. We wanted to gift Jimmie with a commemorative helmet that highlights all the amazing work we’ve done together as he wraps up his historic racing career with NASCAR.”"

Here is what Johnson had to add.

"“Through my partnership with Blue Bunny, the Helmet of Hope has made a tremendous impact on K-12 public education in the U.S., a cause I’m passionate about. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together over the years, and this helmet will be a constant reminder of all those that have benefitted through this program.”"

Johnson, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Blue Bunny all understand the importance of giving back and helping young people grow in order to reach their full potential, and this partnership has illustrated that via its direct help for non-profit organizations in the education sector while also bringing fun to various communities with Blue Bunny’s frozen treat.