Recently, there were reports that Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus may be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In light of that, there were many fans who were thrilled for the 7-time Cup Series champion. Of course, Johnson’s eligibility will only happen for the class of 2024, so there is still some time left. However, there were a few critics of the NASCAR living legend who felt that he did not deserve it.

Naturally, Twitter went berserk and came down on the naysayer, hard. According to the critic, if it was just the Cup Series, then it was alright. As per the critic’s observation, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver simply showed up, drove the car, and retired. After that, he elected to move to IndyCar.

The Jimmie Johnson army were quick to remind that the veteran driver boasts of 83 wins and 7 titles. Those seven titles put him on par with the legendary Richard Petty and the late great Dale Earnhardt.

How did the fans defend Jimmie Johnson?

Many were actually in disbelief that one had the audacity to think that Johnson did not deserve a Hall of Fame appearance. The former NASCAR driver has been hugely successful in his field, so, it would be a travesty to not honor him.

There can be the argument that the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr did a lot for the sport, despite not winning a title. However, Johnson more than made up for it with his prowess on the race track. If NASCAR felt that Jimmie Johnson deserves a place in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, nobody can dispute the criteria.

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Admittedly, Johnson has done something for NASCAR, he helped put it on the motorsport map and established himself as a legend. He has also helped Hendrick Motorsports become the powerhouse that it is today. Jeff Gordon may have set the ball rolling, but Jimmie Johnson continued to build the Hendrick Motorsports dynasty.