Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has left fans and fellow racers stunned with his recent admission. For any NASCAR driver, the Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of achievement. It’s where legends etch their names alongside icons like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon. But Johnson, the man who conquered tracks and hearts alike, is questioning the timing of his induction.
Thank you @MotorsportsHOF for recognizing a lifetime full of memories. pic.twitter.com/S07CbgBYjP
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 12, 2024
The LMC co-owner talked about his inductions and shared the benefits a young driver in the HoF brings for NASCAR, whilst also highlighting his wishes for when it should have occurred. Jimmie Johnson shared:
“I think it’s twofold, I mean I do feel like the younger drivers help draw a bit more attention, help put more eyeballs on the particular ceremony that’s taking place. So I think that’s helpful, but I do feel like if it was 20 years from now and my opportunity to reflect back on it, it would certainly, and this is not in anyway a respectful way to phrase it, but it would be more meaningful.”
Jimmie Johnson feels Hall of Fame induction should have been 20 years later
Jimmie Johnson is still an active driver and feels that his focus could only remain on what was ahead. Johnson added:
“It means the world right now, I am absolutely loving this experience but I think the further you are away from holding the steering wheel, the deeper reflection that you have and the greater appreciation that one will have for their time behind the wheel.”
Jimmie Johnson further reflected on the fact that Johnson was still an active driver and believes he could only spend so much energy on taking in his induction and appreciating it whilst maintaining focus on racing. He concluded:
“So we’re at the max of what we can experience in this moment. But I do think 20 years from now the moment would have a bit more weight to it.”
What’s next?
“There’s a few factors that go into it. One, my performance.” Johnson shared with X.
“You know, I want to make sure that I’m in the mix, not that I have to win races, I’d love to course, and I want to make sure that I’m in the mix and the time it takes to do this, it’s really worth it from that standpoint.” After all, if the prospect of top-ten finishes and competence isn’t really in the books, Johnson would have nothing left to prove.
