NASCAR: 3 drivers who could pull a Tom Brady
By Randy Smith
No. 2 – Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson needs no further ride to solidify his legacy in the sport, but the passion of racing might just change that.
Johnson, one of just three seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions, announced his plans to retire from full-time competition after the 2020 season, his 19th as a full-time driver. That announcement came shortly after the 2019 season ended.
The “full-time” phrase always keeps the door open for drivers to hop back in a car, and Johnson has been busy racing just about everything else since his retirement.
He competes full-time in IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing after running the road and street course races for the team last year, and he also competes part-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He even recently did a one-off snow race at the 2022 Race of Champions in Sweden.
With connections to Hendrick Motorsports, the possibilities are endless for Johnson. Even outside of the team with which he made his made, no team would second guess putting the El Cajon, California native in a seat.
A return to NASCAR would most likely come through the essential Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team, JR Motorsports. Johnson has said he’ll “be around” and that he’d “love to go back”. Never say never.