The rumors were true after all, Jimmie Johnson is back in NASCAR. But instead of the role we’re all familiar with, for his second coming in the sport, the seven-time Cup Series champion is joining another seven-timer, Richard Petty. Johnson will become a part-owner of Petty GMS Motorsports.

Along with that, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver will also make some appearances behind the wheel for his new team, including the Great American Race, the Daytona 500.

After such an announcement, the reactions from the NASCAR community were as you’d expect them to be. Former drivers, current drivers, and fans were all delighted with the return of Johnson, who is indisputably one of the greatest to ever do it.

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Jimmie Johnson had his eye on the owner’s role in NASCAR for a while

Speaking after the announcement of his return to NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson admitted that this decision wasn’t one that he just happened to make in a hurry.

“I’ve had a watchful eye on the ownership part and what’s happening with NASCAR, and the opportunity that I have here, the business structure and the model with NASCAR charters is just so different from than anything else in motorsports,” Johnson said.

GMS Founder Maury Gallagher also expressed his excitement about JJ joining their team as he revealed the role that their new partner would play alongside his fellow seven-timer.

“Jimmie is just a tremendous guy and in my older age, I value relationships as much as anything,” Gallagher said. “I’m more of a background guy. I want Jimmie and Richard to be the faces of the organization, help on the economics and the operations is just a big bonus.”

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