Jimmie Johnson inducted into MSHFA, while his long wait for NASCAR Hall of Fame entry continues

Jimmie Johnson was inducted into the MSHFA as the 2024 class’s Stock Car racing representative.

Jimmie Johnson inducted into MSHFA, while his long wait for NASCAR Hall of Fame entry continues

Jimmie Johnson (Credits: NASCAR.com)

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America has announced that the 7 times Cups champion Jimmie Johnson will be inducted into their prestigious group as part of the Class of 2024. The induction ceremony is scheduled at Daytona Beach on  March 2024. Johnson secured induction in the first year he became eligible.

He is joined by some of the legends of different motorsports disciplines. NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car crew chief Austin Coil and 6 times IndyCar champion Scott Dixon are the first two to make it to the list alongside Johnson. The other three are Paul Newman, SCCA champion and 9 times IndyCar champion owner. He is joined by Sports Cars legend John Surtees and Desert racing legend turned Hollywood stuntman Bud Ekins.

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Johnson, without a doubt, is the most deserving driver from the stock car racing world to make it to the list. He won 83 Cup races in his career that span over 19 seasons on the top tier. His 5 back-to-back titles win hasn’t been matched by anyone before or after him, and his dominance when NASCAR was at its peak in competition and popularity might never be matched.

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“It’s an incredible honor to be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. I’ve been so fortunate throughout my racing career to be honored in many ways, and to be recognized in this capacity is really humbling. I took part in the induction ceremonies of Tony Stewart in 2019 and my childhood mentor Ricky Johnson in 2012, so to be added to this elite group of individuals — by the equally impressive voting panel — is really special. I’m so thankful,” Jimmie Johnson said about his induction.

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Why is Jimmie Johnson not still a NASCAR Hall of Famer?

Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson

The NASCAR legend is yet to secure a place in the NHOF, though he retired from full-time racing in 2020. He deserves a seat alongside Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty on the list. A rule that determines the eligibility of drivers to be a candidate for the voting process is the only thing that’s holding back his induction ceremony.

Johnson would have been the first name on NHOF Class of 2024 if not for his decision to return to NASCAR. The legend decided to join Richard Petty as the co-owner of the now-renamed Legacy MC. His return to the Cup after two years in the IndyCar series wasn’t just as team owner, he also was the driver of the Chevy team part-time cup entry, the No:84 car. Since he has returned as an owner-driver, he is no longer eligible to be a candidate per NASCAR regulations.

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