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“I Can Talk Him Into It”—Jimmie Johnson Reveals His Secret Intentions With Jenson Button in the Le Mans Entry

Published 01/31/2023, 2:58 PM EST

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This year marks 75 years of revved-up existence for the NASCAR world. It certainly seems to be the time when NASCAR is looking to spread its wings. And what better opportunity than teaming up with 7-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button, and 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller!

Johnson has created history in the sport and plans to do it again with his plans for the next level. Recently, he partnered with Richard Petty and became co-owner of Legacy Motor Club (formerly, Petty GMS). In a recent interview, he shed light on some plans he has as a team owner.

Button has shown interest in the Cup Series

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NASCAR’s Garage 54 debuts this year at the 24 hours of Le Mans in a car prepared by Hendrick Motorsports. Both Button and Rockenfeller will be switching over with JJ mid-race as per strategy. 

Though it will be the first time that Button links with NASCAR, it might not be the last. Unsure if he would be able to race on the oval track—in close proximity to the drivers and the wall—Button showed keen interest in racing on street circuits and road courses.

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Until now, NASCAR’s 36-race Cup Series schedule only included two non-oval events. However, this has altered recently, with six road/street courses being included in the 2023 schedule.

Jimmie Johnson was seen cajoling Button

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It looks like Jimmie Johnson, in his capacity as a part-owner of Legacy MC, has more than 24 hours of Le Mans on his mind. As a team owner, he thinks that the idea of being a part of Legacy MC  is worth putting across to Button.

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Addressing Rockenfeller grabbing a place in Action Express Racing, JJ said, “I think this is an opportunity for all of us to show our versatility. Rocky has done a great job of capitalizing on the opportunity with Action Express and being around the NASCAR community and got two drives last year on road courses in NASCAR. I imagine it’s in the back of Jenson’s mind. Of course, a proper opportunity would really sway his mind.”

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Jenson Button might be entertaining such ideas, and if he finds the right opportunity, he might grab it. JJ added, “I think I can talk him into it. We haven’t had much conversation about it, but the third car that I’m driving — the 84 car — (with) the commitment we’re making to that program, we need to run the car more. So, hopefully, we can find funding and interested drivers and figure out how to run that car more often.” 

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Only time will tell whether Button makes it to the NASCAR street circuits or road courses in the future. Legacy MC will certainly make a lot of heads turn if it happens.

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Written by:

Tanvvi Anand

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Tanvvi is a NASCAR writer at Essentially Sports. After completing her Graduation degree in Psychology from St. Xavier's college, she pursued a career in the media & entertainment industry.
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Edited by:

Nischal Kandpal