Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, despite calling it quits from NASCAR a few years ago, surprised everyone when he announced he’d be racing in IndyCar. And that wasn’t just, ‘Oh hey let’s give it a go.’ No. The former Hendrick driver is serious.

He is as passionate now for racing as he ever has been, and the results of this passion came to fruition in Johnson’s favorite hunting ground, Texas.

The former NASCAR driver who holds the record for most wins at the Texas Motor Speedway, finished in sixth place in the single-seater, his best finish to date in an IndyCar.

This was something former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty found worth applauding, as he literally applauded Jimmie Johnson during a recent episode of the NASCAR on NBC podcast.

“I am a huge Jimmie Johnson fan. And became an even greater Jimmie Johnson fan when he put on the uniform, put on the helmet, and jumped in an IndyCar,” he said.

Kyle Petty then proceeded to highlight the similarity between the seven-timer and arguably the greatest athlete of all time.

“Here’s a guy who was at the top, the top, the top of his game in a Cup car, winning championships, winning races. And when he decides to step away from that, it’s – ‘Oh let’s go play another sport’. I love that,” Petty continued.

“I love that Michael Jordan put it all on the line, I mean, I love guys that move around like that. Because that shows they’re comfortable in who they are.”

Jimmie Johnson is on the shortlist for a sensational Hendrick comeback

It was recently reported that Jimmie Johnson, along with Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Jeff Gordon, was on the driver shortlist for the Hendrick-Le Mans project.

And as you’d expect, when Johnson was asked about his thoughts on jumping behind the Hendrick wheel again, he made his intentions pretty clear.

“I definitely am interested,” Johnson said.

Although he revealed that they haven’t had any “serious talks,” he’s still aware of the “interest” that is there for him to be in the car.

“I know Mr. Hendrick would love for me to be in the car, and Chad’s been at the track. So there’s all this synergy that’s existing there, and honestly, that synergy is what kind of led to this opportunity.”

Also Read: Kyle Petty Predicts Pushback From NASCAR Team Owners Against Superspeedways With Jimmie Johnson’s Track Record Referenced