"I'm actively trying to figure out" - When Jimmie Johnson expressed his commitment to IndyCar amid uncertainty with Chip Ganassi Racing

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson once revealed his post-NASCAR career trajectory that led to him hitting the IndyCar tracks. Johnson competed in the NTT IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 and 2022.

After an iconic NASCAR career, Johnson took a bold leap into the NTT IndyCar Series, continuing to compete at the highest levels of motorsport. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion joined Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 for a part-time campaign, with aspirations of expanding his footprint in the world of open-wheel racing. However, his transition to IndyCar came amid significant uncertainty and challenges.

In September 2020, Johnson announced his decision to join Chip Ganassi Racing on a part-time basis for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His initial campaign was focused on road and street courses, driving the No. 48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Despite limited prior experience in open-wheel racing, Johnson demonstrated unwavering commitment and a willingness to learn, earning praise from fans and fellow competitors.

Speaking to Graham Bensinger in an interview in 2021, Jimmie Johnson revealed:

"At the time, the CEO of McLaren, Zak Brown, was open to me pursuing the path of Formula 1, and then they also have an IndyCar. In the beginning that was really my first opportunity to drive an IndyCar was the McLaren IndyCar. Just the experience of a single-seater open-wheel car, high downforce, that's when I found my energy to pursue this. Because up until that point I really thought that full-time racing or such premier high-level racing was behind me. (1:46)"

When asked about any likelihood of continuing beyond the two years, Johnson said:

"I'm all about it. I'm actively trying to figure out how to end up in 23 and beyond, just having so much fun doing it."

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What did Jimmie Johnson say after bidding farewell to IndyCar?

After a part-time debut season in 2021, Jimmie Johnson expanded his involvement, competing full-time in 2022 with Chip Ganassi Racing. He announced his retirement from full-time racing at the end of that season.

Speaking to IndyCar after the announcement, he stated:

"There were a lot of lessons learned, but I think what I've noticed I did the most was ... we all have default mechanisms in our minds and how we operate and what we do."

"Throughout my Cup career, being able to handle and manage high-pressure situations, I always defaulted to this calm place and just approached the challenge in front of me with a realistic mindset. I found myself multiple times in the Indy car and throughout the last two years with all these new experiences using that same default. I'm thankful I have that in me."

Jimmie Johnson continues to race part-time in NASCAR, with the legendary driver's last race of 2024 being the South Point 400 for Legacy Motor Club, the team he co-owns.