WATCH: Jeff Gordon Calls Jimmie Johnson One of NASCAR’s ‘Greatest People’ in a Touching Tribute

As the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season winds down, we are inching closer to the end of an era. To be precise, Jimmie Johnson will walk away from the sport at the end of the season. Although he could not make the Playoffs and see off his career on a high note, he has still been quite successful.

Recently, former rival Jeff Gordon spoke about the #48 Hendrick Motorsports driver and he had nothing but praise. He sounded off on the ‘Greatest NASCAR Driver of All-Time’ debate.

The contenders are usually Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. However, he insisted that in Johnson’s case, nobody can outrun the numbers.

He said, “It isn’t about the number of chequered flags, epic burnouts, or the hardware he’s hoisted over his head. His legacy is about so much more.

“One thing that is not debatable, the person that Jimmie Johnson is. Every driver, crew member, media representative, and fan that interacts with Jimmie Johnson, walks away feeling better.”

What else did Jeff Gordon say about Jimmie Johnson?

According to the former Hendrick Motorsports driver, Johnson always made time to listen to the fans and cared about them. He insisted that anybody who met Johnson always got the impression that he is a ‘good guy’.

Gordon confessed that when he walks away from the sport after Phoenix, there will be a massive void in the paddock. He declared, “Jimmie Johnson isn’t just one of the greatest drivers of all time, but also one of NASCAR’s greatest people.”

Of course, this will not be the last we ever see of Jimmie Johnson. Even though he is retiring from NASCAR, he is set to join the IndyCar grid on a full-time basis.

The NASCAR veteran will race for the Chip Ganassi Racing team alongside Scott Dixon. It is also interesting to note that he does have the option of indulging in one-off appearances in NASCAR.

Both Johnson and Gordon were teammates for a long time and always shared massive respect for each other. With Johnson leaving the sport, Gordon knows what a big loss it will be, a loss that no one is ready for.

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