Winner of seven NASCAR Cup Championships, Jimmie Johnson “retired” from NASCAR and has embarked on an NTT IndyCar Series career with Chip Ganassi Racing. In 2021 Jimmie competed in all of the road course races and concluded his season at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach – essentially his home race for the El Cajon, California native. In this interview before the race, Jimmie talks about the differences in the physicality of NASCAR vs. IndyCar and competing here at Long Beach.
By Larry Mason Copyright © 2021 Larry Mason Interview and photos by Larry Mason. Jimmie Johnson poses for a photo with his crew behind him (and driver coach Scott Pruett flanking him on his left) on Shoreline Drive just minutes before the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Jimmie Johnson poses for a photo with his crew behind him (and driver coach Scott Pruett flanking him on his left) on Shoreline Drive just minutes before the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Johnson has had different liveries on his car during the season based on fan voting. This particular version is easy on the eyes and represents his sponsors very well. Johnson has had different liveries on his car during the season based on fan voting. This particular version is easy on the eyes and represents his sponsors very well. Turning right through city streets is something Johnson didn’t have to do in NASCAR! Turning right through city streets is something Johnson didn’t have to do in NASCAR! Being precise in car placement is nothing new for Johnson. Getting this close to the walls without fenders is significantly different! Being precise in car placement is nothing new for Johnson. Getting this close to the walls without fenders is significantly different! Johnson is hoping to be more competitive in 2022 so that he can show his rear wing to everyone else in the field. He’s improved significantly this year and was 15th fastest out of 28 cars in the Sunday morning warm-up session. Johnson is hoping to be more competitive in 2022 so that he can show his rear wing to everyone else in the field. He’s improved significantly this year and was 15th fastest out of 28 cars in the Sunday morning warm-up session.