"I never thought what if I didn't go to Daytona" - Jimmie Johnson shares moment NASCAR retirement felt real, ending Hendrick partnership

Former NASCAR driver, Jimmie Johnson, recently touched upon the moment he thought about retiring from the sport. In a conversation with the hosts of the High Performance Podcast, the seven-time Cup Series champion shared how he prioritized his family over racing and retired from full-time obligation after 22 years.

During the podcast, he discussed his racing career, including his time in NASCAR. In the YouTube video of the HPP, titled 'NASCAR legend speaks out on the hidden dangers of racing,' the former Cup Series driver revealed how he shaped the world of racing with his talent and leadership.

Johnson, then a Hendrick Motorsports driver, called off his full-time Cup Series racing career at the end of the 2020 season. He was driving the #48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 prior to his retirement. Speaking about when he first thought of retirement, and how he finally made the decision, the former HMS man said,

"It was the start of the 2019 season and I was like I've never thought about like what if I didn't go to Daytona this year, and so I let that go for most the year, and then it pop up occasionally. Certainly in the summer months when the grind was truly on. I always felt that I was gonna keep driving and I've always had this desire to compete in sports cars and race other vehicles."

"So it's not like somebody's gonna take my musical instrument away from me and I'd never be able to play again or drive again. And then the optimism that came around it like 'wow I got two kids, a wife and maybe there's this other balancing act that I would enjoy' and as my mind opened up to it, I could tell quickly, like 'wow if I'm leaning into this aspect of life or this change of life, I need to probably step down," he added. (46:25-47:23)

A NASCAR Hall of Famer, Jimmie Johnson won races at Daytona twice — the 2006 and 2013 Daytona 500. He is one of the most successful Cup Series drivers and is tied with seven championships alongside Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

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Jimmie Johnson made his feelings known after retiring from full-time racing

Following his full-time retirement from Cup Series racing at the end of 2020, Jimmie Johnson joined IndyCar in 2021. He competed in 29 IndyCar races over a two-year period before deciding to hang up his overalls at the end of 2022.

Jimmie Johnson (48) of United States during practice at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images - Source: Imagn

After his IndyCar retirement, Johnson shared his thoughts with the media and stated that his decision had nothing to do with his racing.

"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. 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." (As per Associated Press)

Jimmie Johnson competed in 698 Cup Series races in over 22 years, securing 83 race wins, 36 pole positions, and 374 Top 10s. He is regarded as one of NASCAR's Greatest 75 Drivers.