A glorious career that spanned nearly 19 years, seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson drove his final Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway last Sunday. Needless to say, it was a special but watershed moment for him and his fans.

Many drivers and pundits alike have since taken to various interviews to express their thoughts about Johnson. A fairly popular figure, his racing friends had nothing but good memories and great stories to share about him.

One such memoir by Martin Truex Jr highlights the fondest moment he had with the now-former Hendrick Motorsports driver. And Truex Jr certainly felt grateful and touched by his gesture.

Martin Truex Jr recalls the time Jimmie Johnson handed him the ‘champions’ journal’

Recounting the details of the story, Truex Jr stated, “For me, no question, it was when he brought the champions’ journal to me. I wasn’t really expecting it. He said, ‘Hey, are you in your room? I have something for you.’”

The champions’ journal is something that Jimmie Johnson instituted as part of a NASCAR tradition back in 2011. Which sees a specially crafted diary, passed on from one champion to another. Truex Jr got the diary from Johnson, after his maiden championship win in 2017.

“It was it was just really, really cool, really sincere. [We] spent time talking, sharing, congratulating us, and you could tell he was happy for us and just the kind of guy he is, obviously.”

“So that was definitely special for him to take the time to do that. And you could tell that it wasn’t fake. It was real, and that he’s just a super, super good person.”

Johnson has had a memorable career full of highs and lows

There is no question that the Hendrick No.48 has played a huge role in elevating NASCAR’s popularity as a sport. He has done so many thoughtful gestures, which not many drivers are willing to do all the time.

Johnson’s consecutive five championships really made him a NASCAR legend. His racecraft was always appreciated, but his human touch and ability to maintain relationships with so many people is what has made him a true racing icon.

A champion befitting of the name, Johnson will now spend time away during the off-season. He has already signed a two-year deal to race in the IndyCar series with Chip Ganassi Racing. And just like NASCAR, his fans will hope he continues lighting up the racing world with his magic.

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