Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2020 season.
In a video posted to social media Wednesday, the No. 48 Chevrolet driver said he’s “so thankful for 18 incredible years” at NASCAR’s highest level, and he’s ready for one more, hoping to compete for what would be a record-breaking eighth Cup Series championship.
“I know what this team is capable of, and I hope 2020 is one of the best yet,” Johnson said in the video.
At 44 years old, Johnson’s final Cup Series season will be his 19th with a motto of “#Chasing8 one final time”. He won five consecutive championships between 2006 and 2010 — which we argued gives him the edge in the NASCAR GOAT debate — and two more in 2013 and 2016, tying the mark set by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. In addition to his seven titles, Johnson has 83 career wins, putting him in a tie at No. 6 all time with Cale Yarborough.
However, he’s been in a bit of a slump the last couple seasons. His last win was in June of 2017, and this season, he didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Johnson is the latest star driver to leave the sport — although, he’s the most accomplished by far. In recent years, NASCAR has lost big names, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and Carl Edwards, and has struggled to fill the growing void with someone who can transcend the sport.
His departure, however, is not surprising. Johnson has been repeatedly pressed about his future plans, especially with his three-year contract extension being up at the end of 2020.
Here’s how the NASCAR world reacted to Johnson’s announcement.
