“He had a certain class… he was never an ego guy,” Brad Keselowski hails NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson
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Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson’s stories are something most of the drivers in the NASCAR cup garage cherish and keep in their hearts to tell their grandkids. The record seven times cup champion is one of the most dominant and admired drivers in the sport’s history and arguably the greatest of all time. He is set for a cup return in 2023 as an owner-driver following his two years in the IndyCar series.
Among many drivers waiting to welcome Jimmie Johnson is RFK Racing owner Bard Keselowski. Keeping their past rivalry aside, the duo shares a respectful relationship. Keselowski has a Jimmie Johnson story that he keeps close to his heart. In 2011 Keselowski crashed into the barrier at Road Atlanta during a test drive following a brake failure. While many piolets drove past him, Johnson quickly got out of his car to help the injured rival.
Brad Keselowski told RACER that the incident proved the certain class regarding the veteran’s empathy. He also pointed out that JJ never had the ego he was entitled to, considering his dominance, and said he still respected that trait of the champion.
“My No. 1 story for Jimmie is when I had a wreck at Road Atlanta in a test, and everyone else drove by but him; he stopped and helped. He had a certain class to him in the sense of empathy. He was never an ego guy. I guess we all have our egos, but his ego, given his performance, was shallow, which I respected and still respect about him to this day,” Brad Keselowski said.
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Brad Keselowski respects one aspect of Jimmie Johnson very much
Jimmie Johnson deserves respect for being consistent and productive though out his career. But the one thing that Brad Keselowski respects more is the calm and collected mindset he brings to the table. He calls it the “California cool” mindset.
“What always impressed me the most — in retrospect — about Jimmie is just how cool and calm he always seemed. In a lot of environments, he was surrounded by some people that could rile you up pretty quickly, and how he was always California cool. I have a great amount of respect for that because he found a way to deliver in some tough spots,” Brad Keselowski said.
The two drivers will have the opportunity to re-ignite their friendly rivalry in the 2023 season as Johnson returns to the cup series as an owner-driver for Petty GMS Racing. He will drive in 5 or 6 races in a part-time entry by the team. On the other hand, Keselowski is tasked with getting his RFK team to the championship contention spot next year.
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Justin P Joy
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