“We were scared to death”- When Rick Hendrick revealed how Jimmie Johnson ‘surprised’ him the most as a driver

Back in 2019, Rick Hendrick discussed how Jimmie Johnson's success proved to be the biggest surprise for the Hendrick Motorsports organization.

Johnson joined fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Hendrick's Chevy roster in 2002 as a full-time driver, piloting the No. 48. The El Cajon, California native partnered up with crew chief Chad Knaus and clinched seven Cup Series championships, tying with legend Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, for the Charlotte, North Carolina-based NASCAR team.

In a conversation with Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of HMS, Rick Hendrick, was asked about the NASCAR driver that surprised him the most since the team's foundation in 1984. To this, the Warrenton, North Carolina native said:

"I guess Jimmie [Johnson]. You know, he went in all those championships, five back to back was kind of unreal," [3:15 onwards]

"I remember we were scared to death. We didn't have a sponsor and we put him together and then he comes out and wins races and then the championships. So that was probably the biggest surprise," he added.

Jimmie Johnson not only tied with NASCAR's legendary drivers in the most championship wins but dominated the Cup Series to win the title for five consecutive years and amassed 83 Cup wins in over two decades of his storied career.

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"The connection is deep and real"- When Jimmie Johnson looked back to his time as a driver with Rick Hendrick

Rick Hendrick (left) congratulates Jimmie Johnson (right) after winning the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway. - Source: Imagn

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson announced his full-time retirement from Hendrick Motorsports in 2020 and in that year, he opened up on how Rick Hendrick has profoundly impacted his life.

Johnson started his full-time NASCAR career in the Xfinity Series, driving for Herzog Motorsports where he accumulated a win and 24 top-10 finishes. Moreover, it was Johnson's former HMS teammate Gordon who introduced him to Mr. H.

In a YouTube video shared by Hendrick Motorsports, the two-time Daytona 500 winner said:

"When I sat down with Rick and understood his process in choosing me to drive the new car that was coming to Hendrick Motorsports, I didn’t realize all that went into it and how he knew about me for so long."

Johnson continued:

"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," he concluded.

After departing from the Rick Hendrick-owned organization, Jimmie Johnson transitioned to open-wheel racing and competed for Chip Ganassi Racing in the IndyCar Series. Additionally, he competed full-time in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2021.

As things stand currently, Johnson ventured into the ownership business and joined hands with Legacy Motor Club as a co-owner, and a part-time driver of the #84 Toyota.