As a NASCAR driver, when you’ve won seven Cup Championships, whatever you step into, you’re automatically expected to deliver the goods. That is the curse Jimmie Johnson has to carry for the rest of his racing career.

Johnson, who is currently giving IndyCar a go, is by default expected to take the entire field by storm as a natural result of his illustrious CV.

However, neither have things turned out that way for the former Hendrick driver nor is he buying the hype ahead of the race in Texas, a circuit where he holds the record for most wins in a stock car.

The thing is, Johnson simply wants to be “realistic.”

“I don’t think that’s realistic. Some people may have that expectation and that’s fine. I would love that to be the case,” he said in a recent interview. “Whenever you enter a new series, you’re with the regulars, they’re so good at what they do. We have seen it when drivers try to cross over from various series.”

“I certainly have higher expectations for myself, but I’m not thinking I’m going to show up, qualify on pole, lead the most laps and win the race.”

Jimmie Johnson is looking forward to familiar territory in a fun new drive

Ahead of the race in Texas, Jimmie Johnson is aware his experience can turn out to be an advantage for him.

“I enjoyed watching as a fan, but then in August I was able to come and drive one myself, and I’m excited to get on the track and feel the speed,” Johnson said.

He described he has “an opinion” on how to get around the Texas Motor Speedway in a stock car. And contrary to what many may think, Jimmie Johnson insists there are only “subtle differences” in taking the same circuit in an IndyCar.

Now whether or not those differences lead to a drastic change to the end results for the NASCAR legend, come the checkered flag in Texas, we’ll soon find out.

Also Read: Jimmie Johnson Keeping Mario Andretti’s IndyCar Exploits at 53 Years Old as a Reference of Optimism