NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson announced his retirement from full-time racing on Monday, saying he will focus on time with his family.
The 47-year-old, seven-time NASCAR champion said he might race in a few more “bucket-list” events but has no specific plans regarding future races.
“It’s been an interesting process to feel so fulfilled with the experience and then also try to make a decision,” Johnson said in an exclusive interview with the Associated Press.
Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is retiring from full-time racing.
His 2023 schedule remains unclear. pic.twitter.com/8HXwzNTztS
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 26, 2022
“In the big scheme of things, there is so much life-planning going on with the kids. We’ve always had an idea of trying to live abroad for a year or two. We love Colorado and want to spend more time there, and there’s just so much swirling personally and professionally that I just wanted to take some time and make the decision not on the back of a positive or negative experience on the racetrack,” he added.
Johnson reportedly took two weeks off following his latest IndyCar finale to finalize the decision that included a weekend trip in England with Ganassi teammates Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The long-time racer has 83 NASCAR-sanctioned wins, along with seven Cup Series Championships. He has started 690 races since his first run at the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 7, 2001, more than two decades ago.
BREAKING: Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson tells The Associated Press that he is retiring from full-time racing and will turn his focus toward spending time with family.
by @jennafryer https://t.co/SFZqsuXqlM
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) September 26, 2022
Johnson achieved his first win at the Auto Club Speedway in 2002. He ranks sixth on the all-time wins list and is the only driver to win five consecutive Cup Series championships.
In 2020, Johnson finished his final Cup Series run. The long-time racer has since taken on several IndyCar races, including numerous Grand Prix events.
Johnson’s future events noted in his retirement interview include a possible entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a special entry. He also mentioned his interest in a future run at “The Double,” a unique challenge to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 races on the same day.
Tony Stewart is the only NASCAR driver to complete the grueling 1,100-mile option. Kurt Bush, John Andretti, and Robby Gordon have all also unsuccessfully attempted the two-race challenge.
“You know me and endurance sports, and the double sounds awesome,” Johnson told the AP. “I’ve always had this respect for the guys who have done the double. I would say it is more of a respect thing than a bucket-list item, and I’d love to put some energy into that idea and see if I can pull it off.”
Johnson and his wife, Chani, are also considering enrolling their girls in school in England or France for a year, with their father taking a hands-on role as their daily driver.
“Chani has always supported me to the nth degree and also at the same time had her objectives, desires and pursued her pathway and her career. I think she’s optimistically cautious I follow through with this plan,” Johnson told the AP.