It looks like one of racing’s most iconic and legendary drivers will be stepping away from the driver’s seat as NACAR legend and current IndyCar driver Jimmie Johnson is set to retire from full-time racing following this season.
Johnson announced the news to the Associated Press, saying that he wants to turn his focus toward spending time with his family.
“It’s been an interesting process to feel so fulfilled with the experience and then also try to make a decision,” Johnson told the Associated Press. “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.”
Johnson’s massive decision to retire led to plenty of reactions in the NASCAR and IndyCar world.
Here’s to bucket list events and more unforgettable memories 👊
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) September 26, 2022
No more JJ full-time. Still see him in the 500? https://t.co/210XavYaH3
— Speed Street (@SpeedStreetPod) September 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/AnswerDave/status/1574398638918443010?s=20&t=LkIrr10BYCuthb0V6zH-4Q
Jimmie needs to do The Double! https://t.co/0BqcI2Fenm
— Steve Benko (@SteveBenko) September 26, 2022
The 🐐 taking a step back but not leaving entirely. Looking forward to his bucket list races in the future. https://t.co/S3e99Olsdq
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) September 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/TheOrangeCone/status/1574398795189981184?s=20&t=LkIrr10BYCuthb0V6zH-4Q