Jimmie Johnson’s decision on Indy-NASCAR double duty attempt became a pivotal moment this season, as he opted to decline an opportunity that would have seen him join Kyle Larson in the historic challenge of racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. Instead, Johnson prioritized his growing responsibilities as majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, marking a significant shift in focus for the storied driver during a year of high emotion and considerable change.
The Missed Chance for a Double Duty Effort
Kyle Larson is set for his second attempt at the demanding “Double,” but Johnson disclosed that he too could have pursued the feat this year. The possibility was real, but Johnson felt circumstances had changed, and his commitment was now with Legacy Motor Club, requiring more of his attention off the racetrack than behind the wheel. He discussed with Forbes that although the opportunity was present, timing and evolving priorities influenced his decision to say no.
During his conversation with Forbes, Johnson shared,
“I had a shot at it this year, and I passed on it. Back in my peak days of being a NASCAR driver, I pursued it, but there were some complications that prevented it from happening. It was always a dream. Where I am now and being in an IndyCar once a year, it’s not where I need to be. I passed on the opportunity.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Team Owner
Johnson further revealed on Hauler Talk that during his remarkable run of five straight NASCAR Cup Series championships in the #48 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, he came exceptionally close to attempting the Double. He worked to secure a spot with Penske for the Indy 500, but obstacles arose—particularly the restriction of Honda as the exclusive engine supplier, and reluctance from Rick Hendrick, Johnson’s longtime boss.
As discussions about his Indy 500 debut moved forward, these hurdles—especially the manufacturer alignment required between Chevy and Honda at the time—created enough friction that Johnson ultimately stepped away. Despite the unfulfilled dream, the Double remained an ambition rooted in his childhood.
Changing Priorities After 2022 IndyCar Experience
Johnson returned to open-wheel racing full-time for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2022 and participated in his first Indianapolis 500—fulfilling part of his lifelong wish. The allure of attempting the Double resurfaced after that season, but Johnson chose a different path, gradually moving away from full-time driving to invest more energy in his executive role at Legacy Motor Club. The time demands and desire to build a championship-caliber team meant relinquishing dreams of the double duty for now.
The reality settled in for Johnson as the year unfolded—success in ownership meant a step back from the grueling race calendar. His transition echoed the underlying tension that comes when athletes must reckon with the passage of time and evolving ambitions. Meanwhile, he continues to cheer for others, notably Kyle Larson, who is chasing the very double that eluded Johnson. After Larson’s effort last year was hindered by weather during the Coca-Cola 600 following an 18th-place finish at Indianapolis, Johnson remains invested in Larson’s outcome with Hendrick Motorsports, hoping the younger driver achieves what he could not.
Planning for Race Weekend and High-Profile Connections
This season, Johnson has exciting plans for the Indy 500 weekend, even if he won’t be contesting both marquee events. After qualifying for his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he will fly to Indianapolis to meet up with longtime friend and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, harkening back to shared moments earlier in the season at Daytona.
In another unique twist, Johnson will drive a two-seater IndyCar at Indianapolis, offering none other than NFL legend Tom Brady—seven-time Super Bowl winner and leader of the FOX NFL broadcast team—a thrilling ride during the parade laps of the 109th Indy 500. This collaboration underscores Johnson’s reputation for blending elite sports connections with racing milestones, as he remains the only race car driver to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, a distinction that further connects him to Brady’s storied legacy.
Reflecting on his upcoming stint at Indianapolis, Johnson expressed his excitement about sharing the racetrack—and the adrenaline rush—with Brady. He said,
“I’m so thrilled to go back to Indy and see the incredible view of the racetrack from a racecar. I get to take my buddy TB around the track.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Team Owner
I’ve been trying to threaten him a bit that I’m going to scare him and make him spoil his fire suit. I’m not sure he’s buying into it. But I’m looking forward to showing him a good time there.
Johnson previously spent two seasons competing full-time in the NTT IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing, achieving a starting position in the fourth row during his 2022 Indianapolis 500 appearance. His ongoing presence around both NASCAR and IndyCar highlights his enduring influence in both sports, even as his role increasingly centers around leadership and mentorship rather than racing alone.
The Lasting Impact of Johnson’s Game-Changing Decision
Jimmie Johnson’s deliberate move to decline Indy-NASCAR double duty this season is a testament to how careers evolve, especially as championship athletes transition from personal accolades to leadership positions. The decision opened the door for Kyle Larson to chase history while ensuring Johnson’s full focus remains on building Legacy Motor Club into a formidable competitor. With connections to figures like Tom Brady and Scott Dixon and a history that includes being the only race car driver awarded AP Male Athlete of the Year, Johnson’s continued visibility at major events ensures his mark on racing endures, both on and off the track.
