"It's a beast of a car" - When Jimmie Johnson reflected on the stark differences between IndyCar and NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson appeared on the Pretty Intense podcast hosted by Danica Patrick in 2021, and the two drivers discussed and compared the difference between racing in NASCAR and IndyCar.

Patrick revealed the story of how it was for her when she moved from IndyCar to NASCAR. She explained how people had the perception that NASCAR would be difficult since it was a heavier and bigger car. However, she felt it was the other way around and asked for Johnson's opinion on the same.

Johnson said (Episode 77 of the Pretty Intense podcast):

“After my two test sessions last year, I was pretty sore afterwards and I tested a car two days ago and I feel great and have been back in the gym working out. So I'm making the right gains there, but it was at Sebring two days ago. And the thing that was so impressive to me with these cars is the intensity.” (from 26:07)

He continued, “I mean, it's such a violent car. And the other thing, talking about just the violence of it and the physical nature, you know, they run them on the deck. And dragging the bottom of a Cup car is nothing like dragging the bottom of an IndyCar. I mean, it literally at times can knock the wind out of you. It's so violent and like, oh, no, that's fine. That's normal. Like what things dragging the ground, pounding the ground, breaking zones, you know, all that stuff. It's a very, it's a beast of a car.”

Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of the 2020 season. He went on to race in the IndyCar series for the next two seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing before going back to part-time racing in NASCAR.

---

“Should’ve made the switch a few years earlier”: Jimmie Johnson reflected on his IndyCar career

Jimmie Johnson made the switch to IndyCar at the age of 45 after racing in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time for almost two decades. The American is now 49-years-old and races part-time in NASCAR. He’s also an analyst for NASCAR on NBC Sports. Before the 2024 Indy 500, Johnson reflected on his IndyCar career.

Jimmie Johnson - NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Imagn

Jimmie Johnson said in July 2024 (via Indystar):

“I really do miss it. I feel like I should’ve made the switch a few years earlier. I always have believed that you need five years – five years is the sweet spot before you really understand a given vehicle. I made great progress from Year 1 to Year 2, and I did do well on a few of the ovals, but it was just going to take more time, and I just didn’t have any more to give – especially at that commitment level. It felt like ‘work’ again.”

Johnson finished 26th in the IndyCar championship in 2021 and 21st in the 2022 season. His best result was a P5 finish in the second race at Iowa Speedway in his second season.