It is often mentioned how Jimmie Johnson ‘had it easy’ since Jeff Gordon handpicked him for a drive at Hendrick Motorsports in 2002. But “it’s so far from the truth,” according to Johnson, who, unlike most race car drivers, had a humble beginning, starting out on two wheels.

The 46-year-old INDYCAR driver was raised in San Diego, and his family lived in a trailer park. And despite his family’s financial background, he and his brother Jarit were never made to feel they couldn’t afford an opportunity because they were short on cash.

His father Gary, a Vietnam War veteran, worked as a heavy equipment operator while his mother Catherine would drive a school bus for extra money.

“They spent every single dime on me and Jarit on racing … and they were paying plenty of hospital bills because I was accident-prone,” Johnson recalled in a recent interview.

“We had new bikes, we raced at the local track (Barona Oaks Motocross Facility in Lakeside, California),” Johnson said.

“We raced the regional events, and if we qualified for national events, we packed for the summer and drove our 1979 Econoline van with a 10-foot enclosed trailer behind it across the country.”

Jimmie Johnson hoping NASCAR history could come into play at INDYCAR

Ahead of his first full-time season in INDYCAR, Johnson is hopeful for big results. In fact, it is the experience from NASCAR that is making Johnson ‘realistically optimistic’.

“I’m trying to be realistic with my excitement for ovals,” he said in a recent interview.

“I won 82 NASCAR oval races and one road course race – (so) my opportunity to win in INDYCAR on ovals is far higher than what I would expect on a street circuit or road course.”

The 46-year-old driver admitted he’s trying to be measured, but his expectations remain high, regardless. “I hope top-five (finishes) are realistic, I hope podium (finishes) are realistic, and given the right opportunity I want to believe I can win,” Johnson said.

“That’s my wiring, that’s who I am.”

Also Read: Jimmie Johnson Reveals the Time He Lost His Cool With Ex-NASCAR Teammate Jeff Gordon: “I Overreacted”