Competitors have turned admirers as Jimmie Johnson inches ever so closer to his retirement from NASCAR. Many Cup Series drivers have sent their regards and said wonderful things for the seven-time champion over the past few weeks. Another driver who might very well end his NASCAR career with Johnson, Matt Kenseth, joined the chorus.

Kenseth and Johnson are both veterans of the sport and have been around for a long time. Kenseth went a step ahead and called Johnson an “underrated” champion.

“The main thing about Jimmie that I always think of is just – he’s just underrated,” Kenseth expressed.

Why Matt Kenseth feels Jimmie Johnson is underrated

Kenseth feels that Johnson’s numbers speak for themselves. He also highlighted Johnson’s abilities to adjust under so many situations.

“When you look at his stats and all the things that he’s done, how can you possibly say there’s anybody that’s ever been any better, right? I feel like when they talk about the greatest NASCAR driver of all time.”

Johnson saw numerous changes with the rules package and championship format during his time in NASCAR. His consistency, despite so many changing variables, defines his greatness, Kenseth believes.

Kenseth joked he is still mad at Johnson, as without Johnson, Kenseth feels he would have won three or four NASCAR Cup Series titles. The 48-year-old is the 2003 Cup Series champion, then known as the Winston Cup Series.

Kenseth gives an insight into his friendship with Johnson

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“I mean just, man, how could you have asked for a better racing career? I know that he probably never could have dreamt it the way he went,” Kenseth went on to say.

Kenseth threw light on their friendship and said Johnson, as a person, can adapt in any situation as a person. Despite being such a great champion, Johnson connects with different kinds of people and makes an effort to know about them. Kenseth admires that about him.

“Jimmie is just real. I mean kind of what you see is what you get. The other thing about him that amazes me is he can fit in anywhere… I’ve been so impressed hanging out with him in different social settings,” Kenseth said.

“He can fit in a tuxedo situation, suit and tie situation. Or jeans and a t-shirt, you know working on his bike all dirty situation,” he continued.

Recently, ahead of the race at Texas Motor Speedway, Johnson opened up about one of his most memorable battles with Kenseth at Texas. Kenseth has witnessed Johnson win all his titles from close quarters and his comments show his level of respect for one of his top competitors.

WATCH – Jimmie Johnson Relives His Epic Battle with Matt Kenseth at Texas Motor Speedway