In a celebration timed with Jimmie Johnson’s milestone 700th NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the 2025 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship was awarded to Lucy Roach, a recent graduate of West Cabarrus High School. The event highlighted the ongoing impact of the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship honors achievement in fitness and education, reinforcing Johnson’s legacy both on and off the racetrack.
Scholarship Program Continues Johnson’s Tradition of Giving
The Jimmie Johnson Scholarship was first introduced in 2020 during Johnson’s final season as a full-time Cup Series driver. Created as a tribute to Johnson’s legendary No. 48 car, the Charlotte Motor Speedway established a ten-year, $48,000 scholarship fund. Each year, a $4,800 award is given to a standout Cabarrus County high school senior planning to enter fields like fitness, nutrition, or exercise science.
This year’s recipient, Lucy Roach, will be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall, where she aims to major in Exercise Science and pursue her ambitions to become a physician assistant. Her academic journey and dedication to health reflect the intentions behind the scholarship program.
Award Winner’s Dedication to Fitness and Leadership
Lucy Roach boasts a multifaceted record of achievement. At West Cabarrus High School, she served as secretary for the National Honor Society chapter, participated as a Junior Marshal, and demonstrated leadership within her church community. Roach’s 16 years of dance experience have played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of the significance of diligence and self-care, guiding her interests toward sports and exercise science.
“I’m drawn to this career because it combines everything I care about — health, learning and helping people,”
—Lucy Roach, 2025 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship recipient
“I hope to one day work with athletes or individuals who are passionate about living active and healthy lives, using my background in dance and my knowledge of the human body to make a meaningful impact.”
—Lucy Roach, 2025 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship recipient
Johnson’s Racing Success and Philanthropy Extend Community Impact
Jimmie Johnson’s connection to Charlotte Motor Speedway is underscored by his record-setting eight points-paying victories at the venue — including four Coca-Cola 600 wins and four Bank of America 500 wins — as well as four All-Star Race victories. His influence extends beyond competitive accolades as both Johnson and his wife, Chandra, have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting communities through philanthropy.
The couple established the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in 2006, targeting support for children, families, and neighborhoods in need. Over time, the foundation has distributed over $13.3 million in grants to K-12 schools and nonprofits, complementing the purpose behind the Speedway’s scholarship initiative.
This charitable approach inspired the creation of the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship as a means to nurture future health professionals and leaders from Cabarrus County in the wake of Johnson’s transition from full-time racing.
Scholarship Empowers New Generation of Health Leaders
Receiving the 2025 scholarship has provided Lucy Roach with both resources and inspiration. Her gratitude for the support reflects the program’s ongoing value.
“Receiving this scholarship is a powerful reminder that the hours of work, the leadership I’ve shown and the passion I’ve poured into every goal have all been worth it,”
—Lucy Roach, 2025 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship recipient
“This gives me the freedom to say ‘yes’ to internships, volunteer work, research opportunities and community involvement — experiences that will prepare me to become not just a capable PA, but one with heart and purpose. It will allow me to be more present, more engaged and more confident in chasing the future I’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
—Lucy Roach, 2025 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship recipient
The annual award, running through the year 2030, stands as a testament to Johnson’s enduring legacy in the worlds of racing and community support, enabling talented students like Roach to pursue higher education and careers focused on wellbeing and public health. As upcoming scholars follow in these footsteps, the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship honors achievement in fitness and education while fostering a spirit of service and excellence throughout Cabarrus County and beyond.
