Beyond the Flag
Fansided

IndyCar: Jimmie Johnson talks ‘rookie mistakes’, added pressure

By Asher Fair

Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing, IndyCar (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing, IndyCar (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jimmie Johnson discussed the learning curve that comes with moving from NASCAR to IndyCar as well as some of the rookie mistakes he has made so far in 2021.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is two starts into his IndyCar career and is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the #48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing after a few weeks off.

The 45-year-old El Cajon, California native signed a two-year deal to drive in the road and street course races for the team while 2004 series champion and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan pilots his car in the oval races.

Must Read. Dale Earnhardt Jr. still annoys Martin Truex Jr.. light

Johnson knew going into the season that it would be a learning process, but he maintained that it was something he wanted to do no matter what anybody else thought.

And shifting from stock cars to open-wheel cars has proven to present quite a steep learning curve through two starts.

More from IndyCar

He brought out three of the five caution flag periods in his first two starts, including one in his series debut at Barber Motorsports Park en route to a 19th place finish, three laps off the lead lap, and another two in his first street course race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida en route to a 22nd place finish, five laps off the lead lap.

We recently spoke to him about his first two starts and asked him if his experience has led to him putting additional pressure on himself not to make “rookie” mistakes, specifically those that could alter the outcome of a race for the frontrunners, or if he is just taking everything in stride as a part of the learning experience.

“A little of both,” Johnson told Beyond the Flag after discussing his new partnership with Alcon and their Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength allergy eye drops.

“I definitely made rookie mistakes in both events I’ve been in so far. That was kind of the goal going into it; don’t be the rookie, don’t look like the rookie! But it’s inevitable. I’ve had so little seat time in the car. I think if you add up all the practice sessions, race days and test sessions I’ve been allowed, I’ve had 10 days in the race car. So it is all very new to me.”

dark. Next. Top 25 IndyCar drivers of all-time

Johnson’s third career IndyCar start is scheduled to take place this afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. NBC is set to broadcast this race, the GMR Grand Prix, live beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Johnson is set to start this race in 23rd place.