Certainly, overlooking a driver who boasts seven NASCAR Cup Series championships on a list of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers would be a glaring omission. For a while, it seemed that Jimmie Johnson‘s remarkable career hadn’t earned him a spot on this prestigious list. Matt Kenseth, another racing figure, even voiced his preference for Johnson to receive this honor before him.

In response, the former Hendrick Motorsports champion had modestly claimed he wasn’t “solid enough” for such a distinction. Luckily, not long after Dale Earnhardt Jr showed empathy for Johnson, right before Chad Knaus brought the racing icon some uplifting news.

Chad Knaus gives Jimmie Johnson incredible news

Recently, a video emerged over social media, where we saw Knaus mention how it was his honor to tell Johnson about his massive achievement. Knaus then walks up to Johnson and delivers the good news, much to the surprise of the seven-time champion.

Knaus said, “No surprise to me, but it might be exciting for you, that you have been named in the top 75 of NASCAR’s greatest driver of all time. So it’s my honor to tell you that today. It’s been a pleasure winning all these races with you…”

Later on, Johnson stated, “I was not expecting that. I was like he’s getting really series for some reason. I don’t know what’s going on.”

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Dale Earnhardt Jr had retweeted Jimmie Johnson’s earlier admission

Before having his name included on the esteemed list, Johnson had felt somewhat overlooked by NASCAR. After Kenseth publicly expressed his disappointment at the seven-time champion’s omission via a tweet, support poured in for Johnson.

Even Dale Earnhardt Jr, a former NASCAR driver and Hall of Famer, amplified Johnson’s sentiments by re-tweeting Kenseth comment, demonstrating his solidarity. The Superstar Racing Experience driver said, “As honored as I am to make this exclusive list, I am equally disappointed that my good friend @JimmieJohnson was excluded. He had a solid career and I really feel like he belongs here. #74”

As a reply, Johnson had remarked, “Not solid enough I guess,” not knowing that NASCAR had a grand surprise in store. Mere hours later, Knaus unveiled the surprise to an unsuspecting Johnson, providing a delightful turn of events.

Moreover, the twists and turns of this saga, much like a NASCAR race itself, kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Jimmie Johnson’s initial feelings of being overlooked were replaced with a sense of overwhelming honor and recognition.

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A racing legend, feeling unsure of his place among NASCAR’s greatest. Thankfully, was finally reassured not just by his peers, but also by the institution that had seen him rise to incredible heights.