"These decisions are based around family needs": When Jimmie Johnson explained retirement decision with wife Chandra Janway's backing

Jimmie Johnson decided to retire from full-time racing at the end of 2022. After his long and successful NASCAR career, Johnson opted to race in IndyCar. However, after two years in the American open-wheel category, Johnson was sure that it was time for him to hang up his racing overalls and retire for good, with the help of his supportive wife, Chandra Janway.

Johnson joined IndyCar in 2021, the following year after he retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing. The seven-time Cup Series champion participated in 29 races in two seasons, and his final race was the 2022 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at Laguna Seca.

As he raced his last, he announced his retirement prior to the event. Describing his decision during an exclusive interview with AP in 2022, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver said he wanted more time for family, including his wife, Janway, and their children.

"Chani has always supported me to the nth degree and also at the same time had her objectives, desires and pursued her pathway and her career," Johnson said.

"These decisions are based around family needs and demands, and I think it gets tricky and a bit more complicated on my schedule if we can get some traction on travel and living abroad," he further added.

Jimmie Johnson and Chandra Janway met in 2002 and began dating shortly after. Almost a year later, Johnson proposed to Janway, and the couple tied the knot in 2004. The two have been married for over 20 years, and their first daughter, Genevieve Gene, was born on July 7, 2010. Their second child, Lydia Norriss, was born three years later, on September 6, 2013.

A former model, Chandra Janway, currently owns the SOCO Art Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Jimmie Johnson once opened up about wife Chandra Janway's support for her

Throughout the latter half of his racing career, Jimmie Johnson found Chandra Janway beside him, supporting him in every possible way. From being present at the racetracks to taking care of the family, Janway supported Johnson both on and off the track and allowed him to pursue his goals.

Jimmy Johnson and wife Chandra with daughters Genevieve and Lydia during the red carpet at Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images.

Speaking about Janway's support during a High Performance podcast episode in December last year, Johnson said:

"It's funny because racers are racers and I think we look at our risk assessment differently and she's gotten used to that. Although her risk assessment is far different than mine but I mean, she's my biggest supporter. She wants me to chase my dreams and ultimately that's what she allowed me to do."

After retiring from full-time NASCAR and IndyCar racing, Jimmie Johnson is still connected to Motorsports. He is the co-owner of the NASCAR Cup Series team, Legacy Motor Club, and takes part in the series under part-time obligation, driving the #84 Toyota Camry XSE.