Jimmie Johnson looked forward to racing at Circuit of the Americas for the first time in a NASCAR Cup Series car. Unfortunately for the seven-time champ, and his fans, Johnson’s race ended before completing the first lap.
A chain reaction crash toward the end of Lap 1 collected Johnson and a few other drivers. It started as Brad Keselowski spun in the middle of the track. That caused his teammate, Chris Buescher to move right, but as he did, he got into Ty Dillon. Dillon spun into Johnson’s path and spun him.
First caution of the day came early. A chain reaction crash involving Brad Keselowski, Ty Dillon, Chris Buescher, and Jimmie Johnson. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/eCmIldAI5o
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 26, 2023
The crash resulted in Dillon and Johnson going out of the race while the RFK Racing duo of Keselowski and Buescher continued.
"It's really disappointing … Sadly, we didn't take one lap under green."- Jimmie Johnson's day comes to an end at COTA.@ReganSmith | https://t.co/82cGlF9XJq pic.twitter.com/5yzJ0N22TK
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 26, 2023
Many who were curious about how Johnson would fare at COTA were disappointed that the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champ had an early end to his race.
Jimmie Johnson just hit seven minutes on the DVP clock. His race is over without officially completing a lap. Terrible luck to be taken out.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 26, 2023
Jimmie Johnson is headed to the garage and done for the day. Tough break as Johnson's second start of the season is over after one lap.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) March 26, 2023
Jimmie Johnson didn’t even get to finish a lap smh. #NASCAR75
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) March 26, 2023
Poor Jimmie Johnson was just looking forward to getting a chance to race at COTA for the first time and he doesn’t make it to lap 2.
— Nick Yeoman (@NYeoman) March 26, 2023
It was unfortunate for Johnson as he’s racing a limited schedule for this Cup season. In addition, COTA served as an unofficial test to NASCAR’s Garage 56 project, where Johnson, Jenson Button (also in this race), and Mike Rockenfeller will drive a Next Gen stock car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Johnson’s next race will be at the end of May as he looks to qualify for the Coca-Cola 600.
