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Jimmie Johnson made his feelings known about the catastrophic wildfire in California. The seven-time NASCAR champion sent his thoughts to the victims and thanked first responders for their heroic actions.
Johnson is a 49-year-old professional racing driver who grew up in El Cajon, California. The driver might've retired in 2020 but is still involved in NASCAR, particularly as a team co-owner and part-time driver of Legacy Motor Club.
The Californian posted an Instagram story showing his support and concern for everyone residing in his home state.
"My thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in Southern California, especially my friends and loved ones who are facing unimaginable challenges," Johnson wrote.
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Jimmie Johnson then expressed gratitude for the firefighters and first responders, saying:
"Thank you to the firefighters and first responders risking their lives to protect others."
He concluded by encouraging his followers to support the Red Cross team for its efforts to aid the victims and also attached a link for the donations.
"If you're able to help, please consider supporting the Red Cross as they provide critical relief," Johnson said.
Jimmie Johnson may be a California native but is living in the United Kingdom with his family. He has two daughters, Genevieve and Lydia, with his wife Chandra who he wed in 2004 after Jeff Gordon introduced them two years earlier.
Since Johnson is a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver spends time in the US for work. However, he said in an interview with EPARTRADE that his family supports his involvement in the team.
As mentioned, the 49-year-old is also a part-time driver for the Toyota-affiliated team, though their 2025 schedule has not been disclosed yet. He pilots the No. 84 Toyota Camry alongside full-time drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek.
Johnson is rumored to return to the track in the Daytona 500 next month.
Jimmie Johnson expressed optimism about Legacy Motor Club's future
Legacy Motor Club may be struggling to put out good race results but Jimmie Johnson isn't losing hope. The team co-owner said they want to build a legacy and dominate NASCAR in partnership with Toyota.
When Johnson joined LMC in 2022, the team was competing under the Chevrolet banner. Two years later, the executives decided to partner with the Japanese marque.
Speaking with High Performance, the team co-owner said:
"We're highly focused on the NASCAR championship and very excited to have a partnership with Toyota and my goal and the team is called Legacy Motor Club; built a legacy behind the wheel, now it's time to build a legacy on the other side of it, on the ownership side. Richard Petty's one of those founding members of our race team. My partner Maury Gallagher has been very successful as an entrepreneur in the business space in the States." [1:05:53]
He added that the team would eventually look to become a championship contender in other racing series.
"And ultimately we want to dominate NASCAR. We want to be one of those teams, but in addition to that you know I think there are opportunities for us long-term to compete in other championships," Johnson added.
LMC ended its first year with Toyota with Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek ranking 28th and 34th, respectively. The duo amassed a combined six top-10 and one top-5 finishes.
