The NTT IndyCar Series returns this Sunday, also marking the racing return and Indy debut of NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson. The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will kick off the season this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.

This season of the IndyCar Series will have added interest from NASCAR circles as well, as Johnson makes his debut in the iconic racing event. After almost two decades in NASCAR, Johnson will now drive a completely new car, albeit with the same number – 48.

Weekend schedule for the opening IndyCar Series 2021 race

The weekend will begin with the two practice sessions on Saturday, April 17. The NTT IndyCar Series Practice Session 1 will start at 11 AM ET, followed by Practice Session 2 at 2:40 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on Peacock Premium, SIRIUS XM, and IndyCar Radio.

Then comes the qualification session at 5:50 PM ET, on the same channels. A repeat broadcast of the same will be shown at 10 PM on NBCSN.

The main race will take place on Sunday, April 18, starting at 3 PM ET. Before that, Johnson and the rest of the field will run a warm-up session at 11:30 AM. The main race will be shown on NBC Sports, SIRIUS XM, and IndyCar Radio.

The NASCAR drivers are already well settled in the new season. Johnson will also race mostly on Sundays as well, with the times clashing with NASCAR races as it is this weekend.

Jimmie Johnson ready to show his class in a new racing series

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The former Hendrick Motorsports driver in NASCAR has signed up with Chip Ganassi Racing to drive 13 races this season, all on either street or road courses. Johnson will not compete in the iconic Indy 500 this year but has kept the door open for next year, although he does not have any concrete plans for the same.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion opened up on his emotions ahead of the debut race in a completely different racing series.

“I’m nervous and excited. Some days more nervous than excited, but I dig this,” he said in a recent interview.

“I love the accountability of fear and excitement and fear and all that goes with it, and putting in the time and learning all about the process everywhere I can right now,” Johnson added.

Johnson’s current contract with Chip Ganassi Racing is for two years and includes the 2022 season as well. While his 2021 plans include only road and street courses, Johnson will eventually take a call on running the oval races for next year.

“Crawl Before I Walk, Walk Before I Run” – Jimmie Johnson Declares His Motto for IndyCar Series Debut