Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmy Johnson is retiring from racing full-time after spending the last two seasons at IndyCar.
Beginning his historic car career in 2020, Johnson completed his first and final full-time season in IndyCar in 2021 on a part-time schedule at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The legendary racer has left the door open for a future final, telling the AP he wants to compete in 10 of his bucket list events as he looks to his future.
Although he has not revealed what those races might look like, a possible 24 Hours of Le Mans debut could happen. NASCAR, in partnership with Hendrik Motorsports, is fielding a Garage 56 entry in the 2023 edition of the legendary French event and has yet to announce its driver lineup. Johnson has spent his entire championship career driving Hendrick's No. 48 Chevrolet, which made its series debut in 2001.
A return to NASCAR remains a possibility if he so chooses.
The NASCAR All-Star Race moves to the revamped North Wilkesboro Speedway in May 2023, the track last hosted the Cup event in 1996. Johnson immediately noticed and saw the interest in the event.
So I told @JimmieJohnson that #nascar fans already were asking about him possibly racing at North Wilkesboro.
— Nate Ryan (@nateryan) September 9, 2022
And Jimmie’s face lit up as he noted that as the 2013 All-Star Race winner, he still could be eligible under a 10-year exemption.
“That’s another option!” he smiled. https://t.co/QfB4x20RCn
Johnson, 47, has yet to announce any plans. He is scheduled to take part in the 25th race of IMSA's Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway in Atlanta on Saturday.
