Controversy Ensues as Jimmie Johnson Follows in Fernando Alonso’s Footsteps by Winning Huge INDY 500 Honor
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Controversy Ensues as Jimmie Johnson Follows in Fernando Alonso’s Footsteps by Winning Huge INDY 500 Honor
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USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing driver Jimmie Johnson (48) talks with someone in his pit before carb day practice for the 106th Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing driver Jimmie Johnson (48) talks with someone in his pit before carb day practice for the 106th Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmie Johnson might not have had the INDY 500 outcome he’d have hoped for, but considering his age and his experience in single-seaters, particularly in the INDY 500, one would say he did pretty well. But here’s the question: did he do enough to win the INDY 500 Rookie of the Year Award?
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Because he has won the award, despite not even finishing the race.
It’s worth pointing out that just like the former Hendrick Motorsports driver won the award, two-time Formula 1 champion, Fernando Alonso had also received the same honor in 2017 despite having a less than ideal race.
Ready for a fun night! pic.twitter.com/VgbjIrzCaG
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 30, 2022
This led to some criticism from the INDYCAR community, and particularly from the rookie David Malukas and his team, Dale Coyne Racing. Malukas had finished 13th in the race.
“We all know that (David Malukas) is the actual Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. Maybe actually finishing the race needs to be part of the criteria,” Malukas’ team tweeted after the former NASCAR driver was announced as the Rookie of the Year.
Malukas himself reacted to the whole thing as he said, “That one stings. Well, congrats to Jimmie.”
Jimmie Johnson on his INDY 500 experience
After the race, Jimmie Johnson revealed that even though he had a good run considering his experience and age, it was at the end of the day, underwhelming, at least for himself.
“It’s mixed emotions,” he said. “I really had higher expectations for a run throughout the race and just really couldn’t get through the field.”
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series driver Jimmie Johnson during Carb Day practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The seven-time Cup Series champion added that every time he set another car for a pass, the car would “wash out” and he’d lose spots until he felt further back in the pack.
Johnson emphasized that he needs more experience.
“That part was a little frustrating just to not have the car that I needed in traffic but certainly learned a lot and had a great experience out there,” he added.
