"It's going to be a sad moment" - When Rick Hendrick shared emotional tribute to Jimmie Johnson before his final race

Ahead of the 2020 Championship 4 race in Phoenix, Rick Hendrick shared a heartwarming message for Jimmie Johnson as the latter was all set to drive the #48 Chevy one last time for Hendrick Motorsports.

NASCAR legend Johnson started his full-time Cup Series career with HMS in 2002 and earned his maiden pole position at the Daytona 500 race in his rookie season. It took him 12 more races to secure his first career win at Dover Motor Speedway and the rest is history.

Having competed in NASCAR's premier division for almost two decades, the 49-year-old Johnson secured 83 Cup wins and seven Cup Series championship titles for owner Rick Hendrick before announcing his retirement.

Before the California native Johnson sat behind the wheel of the #48 Chevy at the 2020 Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR Hall of Famer Hendrick gave an emotional tribute to one of the best drivers in the modern-era of NASCAR, saying:

"Just thanking you for all you've done and trying to show our appreciation not only us but NASCAR the sport, the fans. What you've meant to so many people it's going to be a sad moment to see you pull in the pits and I'm going to be emotional but Inknow you want to do other things and I'm excited about your next chapter in your life." [0:37]

Soon after his full-time retirement, Johnson ventured out into open-wheel racing and competed for Chip Ganassi Racing in the Indycar Series. He also became a part-owner of Legacy Motor Club and drives the #84 Toyota, albeit part-time in the Cup Series.

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"He's changed my life": Jimmie Johnson credits Rick Hendrick for being an important part of his life

Hendrick Motorsports legend, Jimmie Johnson, once spoke about his deep connection with Rick Hendrick and how it changed his life for the better.

In a 2020 video, NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson spoke about the bond and the family-like connection he shares with Mr. H, saying:

"Once I had face time with Rick, he knew a lot about me. He seemed very comfortable with me and that only helped me become more comfortable. It really is family, and the connection is deep and it’s real." [0:32]

Moreover, Johnson opened up on how Hendrick has been a support system and a "special" person in his family's life. He added:

"He’s changed my life, there’s no way around it and he’s helped me be a better person, a better man, a better father. All the charitable things he’s enlightened me on and supported me on and encouraged me to do. And really, he’s just been somebody so special to me, to Shannie, to my kids. You know honestly, just changed my life personally and professionally."

Johnson will be next seen in action for the final race of the 2024 NASCAR season, driving the #84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club at Phonix Raceway on November 10.