BREAKING: NASCAR Legend Jimmie Johnson Makes Major Announcement About Retirement

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson says he’s done with racing.

After winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times, Johnson is retiring. The 47-year-old says he’ll be spending more time with family and his wife Chani Johnson.

His illustrious career included making his way to Victory Lane 83 times. WATCH:

“It’s been an interesting process to feel so fulfilled with the experience and then also try to make a decision,” Johnson said.

“In the big scheme of things, there is so much life-planning going on with the kids. We’ve always had an idea of trying to live abroad for a year or two. We love Colorado and want to spend more time there, and there’s just so much swirling personally and professionally that I just wanted to take some time and make the decision not on the back of a positive or negative experience on the racetrack.”

“I do have a desire to go back, it’s just at this point, I know what’s required to do a full schedule, and I don’t have that in me,” he explained. “I don’t have that passion that I need for myself to commit myself to a full season.”

Before crashing out at the Indianapolis 500, he led two laps. He ended up finishing fifth in Iowa.

More on this story via Fox News:

Johnson’s last full-time season with NASCAR came in 2020 and began racing on the IndyCars series for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021. He raced only the street and road courses in that first season before adding the ovals to a full schedule in 2022.

While his future is unknown, Johnson expressed interest in doing the double – race at the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 the same day. Tony Stewart is the only driver to finish both races on the same day while Kurt Busch, John Andretti and Robby Gordon both made attempts.

“You know me and endurance sports, and the double sounds awesome,” Johnson said. “I’ve always had this respect for the guys who have done the double. I would say it is more of a respect thing than a bucket-list item, and I’d love to put some energy into that idea and see if I can pull it off.”

The NASCAR schedule will hit the streets of Chicago and North Wilkesboro in 2023. Johnson did not rule out the potential of appearing at the All-Star Race.