At the 109th Indianapolis 500, sports icons collided as Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, drove NFL legend Tom Brady in a heart-pounding Fastest Seat in Sports experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25. The event, broadcast live on FOX, brought together two of the most decorated athletes from different corners of the sports world, offering fans an unprecedented fusion of speed and championship pedigree in an event billed as a “G.O.A.T.” drive.
Jimmie Johnson, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, took on the responsibility of piloting the custom INDYCAR SERIES car, with Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback and current FOX NFL analyst, in the special back passenger seat. This tradition-rich thrill ride not only opened the festivities but captured the attention of millions, who watched as two record-breaking champions shared the Indianapolis 500 spotlight.
Brady, known as one of football’s most accomplished players, brings with him a trophy case featuring five Super Bowl MVP awards and three Associated Press Most Valuable Player honors, underscoring his historic career. Selected as the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 2007, Brady’s name is synonymous with excellence in American sports. His participation added a new layer of excitement to the INDYCAR tradition, which has previously featured well-known passengers such as Lady Gaga and Alex Rodriguez.
Jimmie Johnson’s career spans nearly two decades with Hendrick Motorsports, driving the iconic No. 48 and amassing a record-tying seven premier series championships, including an unmatched streak of five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010. After teaming up with Brady on this electrifying ride, Johnson was slated to journey to Charlotte, where he would make his 700th career start in a grueling 600-mile NASCAR event. Johnson’s deep ties to motorsports also include his co-ownership of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, which flourishes in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Speaking about his opportunity to lead the Fastest Seat in Sports with Brady as his passenger, Jimmie Johnson expressed his enthusiasm.
“I love the Indy 500. There is an energy and excitement around the ‘500’ that is unlike anything I have experienced before. Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion.”
This remarkable convergence of talent links Johnson and Brady in a distinct way: both athletes hold the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year title, a rare achievement within their respective sports. Jimmie Johnson, beyond his NASCAR successes, has also competed in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, racing for Chip Ganassi Racing and earning a notable qualifying spot in the 2022 Indianapolis 500. His versatility and championship drive make him an ideal ambassador for cross-sport celebration at such a renowned event.
Brady, making his official ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports, joined a long and illustrious line of celebrity passengers who have helped to energize INDYCAR’s biggest stages. Events like these allow fans from various sports backgrounds to unite, as extraordinary figures like Johnson and Brady collaborate and inspire. Brady’s vast collection of honors—including multiple All-Pro selections, the Bert Bell Award, and spots on both the NFL 2010s All-Decade and 100th Anniversary teams—highlight the magnitude of this unique sports moment.
Broadcast of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 began at 10 a.m. Eastern, with coverage available on FOX, FOX Deportes, and the FOX Sports app. As the NTT INDYCAR SERIES features drivers competing at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the inclusion of celebrated faces like Jimmie Johnson and Tom Brady in ceremonial moments adds significant fan engagement and historical interest to the sport.
The convergence between Jimmie Johnson’s expertise behind the wheel and Tom Brady’s stature as an all-time football great made for a thrilling prelude to one of motorsport’s premier events. Their joint appearance not only energized crowds and television audiences but also exemplified the spirit of cross-sport admiration and camaraderie. Looking ahead, the event may pave the way for more collaborative moments between icons of different sports, continuing to build excitement and connections for fans everywhere.
