Jimmie Johnson’s last NASCAR race is Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.
Well, it’s his last as a full-time driver because the seven-time Cup Series champion isn’t leaving racing. He’s just stepping away from NASCAR’s grueling nine-month season in pursuit of other challenges.
Johnson is, unquestionably, one of the best to ever race in NASCAR. In addition to those seven titles, the 45-year-old driver has 83 career victories, putting him at No. 6 on the all-time wins list, and he’s the all-time winningest driver at multiple tracks.
He’s a model driver — or a “perfect” one, as team owner Rick Hendrick said last year — who hasn’t changed as a person, despite all his success.
First it was Petty, then Earnhardt, then Johnson.@JimmieJohnson leads the field for the final time as a full-time @NASCAR Cup Series driver, one of three seven-time Cup Series champions. #OneFinalTime #ThanksJimmie pic.twitter.com/c9JLCcpPdd
— #NASCARPlayoffs on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 8, 2020
And in 2021, he’ll transition to the IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing.
So ahead of his final NASCAR race as a full-time driver, Johnson’s peers and the NASCAR world honored him and his remarkable career.
Words will never be enough to describe who you are to us, @JimmieJohnson. #OneFinalTime pic.twitter.com/3sjt9yGNO6
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 8, 2020
Seven championships.
83 victories.
Countless memories. @JimmieJohnson, it's been an incredible ride. #OneFinalTime pic.twitter.com/hTgp9pn0y7— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 8, 2020
A special message from Rick Hendrick to @JimmieJohnson.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 8, 2020
The only man that I have watched the sunrise with multiple times, we had always wanted to close the book together.
The day has come, my friend.
Let’s go race like hell and see what happens on the other side.
Much love #OneFinalTime pic.twitter.com/0is3T4C4wr— Chad Knaus (@chadknaus) November 8, 2020
My brother https://t.co/8mPfs9uik4
— Chad Knaus (@chadknaus) November 7, 2020
In addition to Johnson, Kyle Busch also mentioned Clint Bowyer, who will move to FOX Sports’ broadcast booth next season, and Matt Kenseth, who is presumably running his last Cup race Sunday — though we’ve heard that before.
It’s been a privilege to race against @JimmieJohnson , @ClintBowyer and @mattkenseth my whole Cup career. Hope you guys take it all in today one last time. All the best in the future boys 🍻
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 8, 2020
To the guy I’ve idolized. To the guy I geeked out over at DIS when filling in the 43 in 2017. To the guy that’s been all class on n off the track. To the guy who called me just about every day during the madness of this season. To the guy I’m honored to call friend. Thanks JJ!🤘🏾 pic.twitter.com/rnJ0GucbxG
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 8, 2020
I’m going to miss racing with you pal. Myself and a lot of other kids wanted to be just like you growing up. Not everyday you get to compete with one of your heros. Here’s to ya champ. 🍻 https://t.co/ff4F9WDz62
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 7, 2020
THIS IS HARD. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/w8MDXhErNt
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) November 8, 2020
After 19 years in @NASCAR, @JimmieJohnson is retiring from full-time Cup Series racing after today's race.
He reflected on what's been a remarkable career that stacks up against racing's all-time greats. #OneFinalTime #ThanksJimmie pic.twitter.com/YIwtwxLb38
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 8, 2020
Thank you, Jimmie Johnson. pic.twitter.com/BhLOGw31NU
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) November 8, 2020
Wishing all the best to fellow competitor and 7x Champ @JimmieJohnson in his next chapter, congrats on an incredible #NASCAR career! #OneFinalTime pic.twitter.com/Du54IafURY
— Richard Petty Motorsports (@RPMotorsports) November 8, 2020
