Jimmie Johnson Reveals How Chevy Cost Him a ‘Better Shot’ at Winning Indy 500 in His Prime  

Seven times NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson explained how missed out on a perfect Indy 500 opportunity with Penske in his prime.

Jimmie Johnson Reveals How Chevy Cost Him a ‘Better Shot’ at Winning Indy 500 in His Prime  

Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)

Following his retirement from NASCAR Cup Series in 2020, Jimmie Johnosn made the bucket list move he dreamed of for ling-time, by moving to IndyCar. He spent two years in the open wheel racing series and failed to make mark with CGR, owing to the fact that he wasn’t as effective as he could be as a racer due to his age.

If Jimmie Johnson had attempted the double duty in the late 2000’s, when he was in his prime winning five consecutive championships, the story would have been much different. Recently the current Legacy Motor Club revealed that he had the opportunity to do exactly that, but the deal fell through due to Chevrolet.

Roger Penske, who owns the IndyCar and NASCAR side Team Penske Racing offered him a seat around 2008-09. But he couldn’t sign a deal, as he was committed to Chevy because of his HMS contract and couldn’t drive the Penske cars that was powered by Honda.

According to Johnson he was in his prime age and more brave as racer at the time. This would have allowed him to make more risker moves on the track, which is essential to succeed at Indy 500. Team Penske won the iconic event in 2009 with Helio Castroneves, and it shows Johnson missed out on a real opportunity.

I had a legitimate shot to run with Roger [Penske] at the speedway. I think they were Honda-powered only. And my Chevy contract was a problem with that. I ended up doing the 500, but if it was when I was a little bit younger and more brave, I think I might have had a better result.

Jimmie Johnson told Fox Sports.

Jimmie Johnson explains how NASCAR drivers are respected outside international

In the same conversation with Fox, Johnson talked about how NASCAR drivers are perceived internationally. He pointed out that reception he has received abroad has been positive and highlighted how there is a strong stock car racing culture in Europe.

Jimmie Johnson (via USA Today)
Jimmie Johnson (via USA Today)

My belief in that is moving in a positive direction with all the travels I’ve done. Our culture in Europe is quite impressive, so I believe there is a respect.

Jimmie Johnson said.

He also explained how most in the European racing seen are less informed about stock car racing. They are often marveled by the scale of NASCAR operations when they visit the facilities as it’s not what they are expecting.  

Take somebody to your headquarters, the factory as they say in Europe, and they look around like gosh. We thought this was going to be like a you, a service station with a couple of guys who rags tucked in their back pocket and it, it’s just not it.

Jimmie Johnson added.

The comments from Johnson are on point as the perception of the sport globally differ a lot from the reality back in US. It will change once NASCAR efforts to market the sport internationally becomes more fruitful, opening new door for racing ventures.

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