Jimmie Johnson on Retirement, IndyCar Move and Jeff Gordon Mentorship

Seven‑time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson ended his Cup Series career after the 2020 season, retiring from Hendrick Motorsports with 83 wins. Citing physical and mental exhaustion from a 38‑race schedule, extensive testing and sponsor commitments, he sought greater control over his life and a chance to fulfill a childhood dream. Johnson switched to the NTT IndyCar Series for the 2021‑2022 seasons, testing with Chip Ganassi Racing in late 2020, but struggled with the high‑downforce open‑wheel cars and announced the end of his full‑time IndyCar effort on September 26, 2022.

Johnson also reflected on his early admiration for Jeff Gordon, describing how Gordon mentored him after joining Hendrick’s No. 48 team in 2002. Their rivalry produced 11 one‑two finishes before Gordon retired in 2015. Johnson’s own record includes seven Cup championships, five consecutive titles from 2006‑2010, and he now serves as majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, fielding two cars for drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones.