“If he has done anything it's pure desire to win” - When Jeff Gordon reflected on whether Jimmie Johnson ever ran him on the track

Former Hendrick Motorsports drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, known for their competitive nature, had been involved in on-track battles on many occasions during their careers. Gordon once addressed if Johnson ever raced him hard or even crossed a line to gain the advantage on the track.

Since joining HMS in 2002, Jimmie Johnson had become an integral part of the organization, racking up 83 wins and seven NASCAR Cup Series championships.

10 years ago, during an interview with Larry King, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion addressed former beef with his former HMS teammate and friend Johnson. Clearing up any lingering grudges surrounding a past feud with seven-time NASCAR champion, Gordon said:

“Not really. I mean, I think if he's done anything, it's just out of pure desire to win and he races hard. He's aggressive. He's very talented and while there's a lot of guys out there that I’ve may be bumped heads with or whatever you want to call it, offenders, you know, Jimmy's one of those guys where that can happen on the track and we walk away and, you know, we pat one another on the back and say, hey, good race.”

One of the closest battles for the victory between Gordon and Johnson came at Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway in 2007. It was Johnson, who emerged the winner after beating Gordon by less than a second.

---

“He's the best I've ever raced against” – Jeff Gordon on Jimmie Johnson

Jeff Gordon, who currently serves as the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, reflected on Johnson’s legacy as NASCAR’s greatest driver. Johnson is known for his aggression and exceptional talent. He has dominated the sport, winning five consecutive NASCAR Cup championships from 2006 to 2010.

Reflecting on Johnson’s legacy as a driver, Jordon said (via Sports Illustrated):

“I would certainly say so because of my experience racing against him in the same equipment under in the same organization, Hendrick Motorsports. … To me, as tough as the competition is today and this format that we have with the playoff-type system, to me, it's harder to win championships now than it's ever been, and yet they continue to rise up and get it done when it matters most. So, yeah, I think he's the best I've ever raced against.” [1:42]

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson shared a good bond despite having competition within the same team. Johnson currently competes part-time in the Cup Series for his own team, Legacy Motor Club.