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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, speaks ahead of practice at Auto Club Speedway on February 28, 2020 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, speaks ahead of practice at Auto Club Speedway on February 28, 2020 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Seven-time Cup Series Jimmie Johnson may have retired from NASCAR, but there is still a fresh challenge in IndyCar that awaits him. The 45-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing that will see him drive in the open-wheel series.
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Johnson’s humility and friendliness have long been positives aspects of his personality, and he has now impressed quite a few people in IndyCar already. Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi is one among them, who believes that Johnson is a ‘h*ll of a guy.’
Rossi stated, “He’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met on planet earth. It’s always nice to meet these guys that are super successful and also seem to be great at normal life.
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“He’s a h*ll of a guy. He’s a great addition to the sport.”
It’ll be an interesting ride for Jimmie Johnson in IndyCar, said Rossi
For sure, Johnson will face some difficulties adjusting to the new series, having adapted to a certain driving style in NASCAR. But overall, Rossi is confident the former Hendrick Motorsports No.48 will be up for the new challenge.
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KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 23: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, sit in his car prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Super Start Batteries 400 Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“Like everything that Jimmie does, he’s doing it in the best possible way and spending the time. And he has the people around him to help him succeed.
“It’ll be an interesting ride for him, but, you know, I think he’s doing everything correct so far at this point,” concluded Rossi.
Johnson has already completed a few pre-season tests in IndyCar machinery
To get an understanding of open-wheel vehicles, Johnson has undergone tests at different racetracks. Most recently, he entered his Carvana Racing car, and got some valuable laps under his belt at the Sebring International Raceway.
Gone in a flash 💥@JimmieJohnson is laying down some laps in the No. 48 at @sebringraceway!@CarvanaRacing | @IndyCar pic.twitter.com/UErz7XFsm6
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) January 18, 2021
In addition, Johnson also took part in the 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona that saw him gain some technical insights. Safe to say, then, he has not seemed out of touch from motorsport, having engaged himself in such events.
The NASCAR icon’s first assignment will be in the season opener at Barber Motorsports Park on April 18. Johnson’s fans will hence be keen to follow their icon through as he enters the IndyCar Series as a ‘rookie.’
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