Dale Earnhardt Jr. claims Jimmie Johnson ‘will absolutely join’ a new OEM joining NASCAR ditching Toyota
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has given a bold prediction about Jimmie Johnson’s future as a Cup team owner.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)
Since the start of the Next-Gen era there has been talks about a new original engine manufacturer joining the sport, alongside Toyota, Chevy and Ford. Though NASCAR has made many changes to its rule book and policies, the entry is still in the planning stage. Addition of a fourth brand has the potential to change NASCAR forever.
This open a chance for teams, that are not given priority by the other OEMs to build a legacy like Joe Gibbs Racing did, when they joined Toyota and become championship caliber team. Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared about his feelings about the possibility of new OEM coming in and declared that Legacy Motor Club majority owner Jimmie Johnson would be the first one to join them.
The people that want to get into the sport, or become cup teams. You’re going to have interest from, like I said, the guys that are not on — the third or fourth in line at the other OEMs. Like a Jimmie Johnson… I could absolutely see Jimmie going. A new OEM coming in, you want to make us top dog. You’re going to give us the resources to become what we want to become.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.
Johnson joined team as an owner driver in 2022 and lead the team as the moved to the Toyota camp from Chevy. The move is yet to yield the success they expected. Junior pointed out that Johnson is a leader capable of building a championship worthy team, if he is given the same resources the top teams get from respective OEMs.
I’m telling you, I give Jimmie a hard time, and he’s one of my friends. If he were to find and acquire the resources that the top teams are getting at Chevy, Toyota and Ford, he would be able to develop his team into a successful team.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals the only thing holding back Jimmie Johnson from succeeding as an owner
Further talking about the point, Dale Jr. highlighted the hardworking mentality and leadership qualities of the seven times champion that can make the difference. He then declared that the only thing holding him back is the lack of top-tier manufacturer support and once he gets it, he would lead the team to success.
He has that motivation, and he has that ability. He’s a wheeler and dealer. He’s a worker. He’s a connector. He’s a networker. He finds value, and relationships that are valuable. The only thing really holding Jimmie back is genuine, top-tier manufacturer support. I think once he gets that, he will excel. They’ll do well. So, that’s an interesting conversation.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.
The comments from Junior about his ex-Hendrick Motorsports teammate shows how much he respects the Hall of Famer and the big expectations he has from him. It would be interesting to see how Jimmie Johnson’s future as a team owner is going to playout and whether the predictions from the JR Motorsports co-owner comes to fruition.
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Justin P Joy
(4986 Articles Published)