“Special Day” Excites NASCAR World As Hendrick Motorsports and Jimmie Johnson’s Collaboration Draws Eyeballs
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via Getty
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, looks on during practice for the NTT IndyCar Series XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Jimmie Johnson is a legend of NASCAR – his achievements and trophy cabinet certify this status. But apart from being a legend of the sport, he is also a legend of Hendrick Motorsports. It is the one and only team he raced for during his long and illustrious Cup Series career.
We think this guy knows a thing or two about developing a stock car…
Thanks @JimmieJohnson and @TeamHendrick for helping us shake down the #NextGenG56 car ahead of some crucial tests over the next few months! pic.twitter.com/10NmQz8bLt
— NASCARG56 (@nascarg56) December 16, 2022
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Many consider winning one Cup Series Championship a feat in itself, but winning multiple puts the driver on the fast track to legendary status. Jimmie Johnson won 7, with 5 of them coming successively. It is difficult to make a case against his greatness or his influence in NASCAR history.
Johnson is also among the handful of drivers that have been one-team men. He joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2001 and was with them until 2020. Safe to say, the pairing worked out very successfully!
Now that he makes his comeback to NASCAR (although only in a part-time driving role) with Petty GMS, Johnson has chosen to help his old team out. With the years of experience that the Californian has, he can definitely offer a lot of insights.
via Getty
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, looks on during practice for the NTT IndyCar Series XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
His expertise is being leveraged by HMS in their Garage 56 program. Garage 56 is a testing program that allows for the testing of innovative technologies. Also, HMS and NASCAR have collaborated to test out the Next Gen car on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to evaluate its driveability on road courses.
Johnson has been taking part in the testing. He has thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the car, calling it a “monster” in comparison to the previous cars he has driven on road courses.
Drivers with JJ’s talent and experience are rare – HMS is smart to make use of their long partnership.
Fans love the prospect of seeing Jimmie Johnson in 2023
The teaser video released by the HMS of JJ racing in their Garage 56 car gave fans hope.
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Fans showered love on the driver –
Kind of interesting that Jimmie drove the Garage 56 car before ever driving the actual Next Gen Cup car. https://t.co/sATQFC9C6R
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) December 17, 2022
The more I see this car the more I can’t wait to see the full specs and final car as well as see how it does at Le Mans next year https://t.co/1ciS84lyZ3
— Travis Stephens (@ts24fan) December 17, 2022
You love to see it https://t.co/2CFdSb22Ld
— TheClassic (23-4-2) (@ClassicThe42) December 16, 2022
Love seeing JJ back in a stock car! Looking forward to 2023!
— Money Talks (@MoneyTalks1992_) December 16, 2022
That car looks bad A!!!!
— John J (@TurfOsu) December 16, 2022
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I can’t freaking wait to see JJ back in a cup car live!!! Going to be a special day indeed 👍👊
— The new Mikesuncoast (@rathatter) December 16, 2022
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What a peek into the past! Would you want to see Johnson blazing down the tracks of Le Mans as well?
Written by:
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare
