Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, gave Tom Brady the chance of a lifetime by taking him for a high-speed lap at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the Indy 500. Jimmie Johnson drives Tom Brady at Indy 500 in the Fastest Seat in Sports, teasing that he hoped to make the NFL star “soil his race suit” as they neared speeds of 200 mph.
Brady Takes on the IndyCar Experience with Johnson at the Helm
As part of the Indy 500 festivities, Tom Brady was offered a thrilling ride in IndyCar’s special two-seater open-wheel racer, an honor previously shared by celebrities since the tradition’s start in 2010. This year, Brady—best known for his accomplishments as an NFL quarterback—had the chance to step into a different kind of spotlight and experience the adrenaline rush of motorsport firsthand.
Ensuring Brady’s safety, IndyCar tapped Jimmie Johnson to steer him around the iconic track. As race day approached, excitement grew around the upcoming ride, with fans curious to see how the legendary football player would fare at such incredible speeds.
Johnson Shares His Playful Aims for the Indy 500 Ride
Known for injecting humor into high-pressure moments, Jimmie Johnson openly discussed his playful intentions before taking Brady out on the track, sharing insights with fans in the lead-up to the event.
“I have three goals, but I think two of them are realistic–one would be crashing just so he could have that full experience, but I don’t think that’s going to be viewed highly. The other two, one would be for him to get sick in the car and the other one would be to soil his suit. Those two are still in play.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This light-hearted approach highlights the camaraderie between athletes from different fields, as Johnson blends respect with good-natured ribbing, teasing Brady about the extreme sensations in store.
Brady Admits Concern Over Speed and Motion Sickness
Not everyone is comfortable traveling at nearly 200 mph, and Tom Brady, despite his own competitive background, expressed his apprehension about the ride. Johnson revealed that Brady’s nerves were evident, particularly regarding the speed, possibility of an accident, and the potential for motion sickness.
“He’s already sent a few text messages worried about speed, an accident, and motion sickness… I’ve been torturing him enough about getting sick, but the chances are quite low.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Despite Johnson’s playful jabs, he reassured fans that Brady was unlikely to suffer any ill effects, sharing these updates as the pre-race excitement built.
Indy 500 Set to Begin with Racing Legends on the Front Row
After Johnson and Brady’s anticipated lap, focus shifts back to the main event. With the green flag signaling the start, Robert Shwartzman leads the field at the 109th Indy 500, joined on the front row by Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward. The tradition continues as drivers begin their quest across 200 laps, each aiming to secure their place in IndyCar history.
This unique intersection of football and motorsports at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway drew widespread attention, shining a spotlight on both Jimmie Johnson’s playful spirit and Tom Brady’s willingness to embrace a new kind of challenge. With stars from both fields taking center stage, the Indy 500 once again demonstrates its reputation as a premier destination for legends and newcomers alike.
