Jimmie Johnson discusses career and future on Never Settle podcast, sharing unique insights alongside motorsport icons like Mario Andretti. The episode uncovers stories from within the racing world, providing rare perspectives on pivotal career turns and the shifting landscape across premier series.
Early Obstacles and Growth: Mario Andretti’s Humble Beginnings
During the most recent episode of the Never Settle podcast, Mario Andretti reflected with host Jimmie Johnson about the modest beginnings of his race team. The legendary racer revealed that he and his twin brother Aldo Andretti started out with only a single car and shared one helmet in their earliest competitions, a far cry from the powerful racing organizations seen today.
Andretti spoke candidly about those challenging times, emphasizing the limited resources available to him and Aldo, now remembered as fundamental to forging the perseverance and grit that would drive their later successes.
“Aldo (Andretti) and I had no idea. We had one car, two drivers, one helmet,” the team owner said.
The podcast embraced lighter moments as well. When asked by co-host Marty Smith about how two drivers managed with a single helmet, Andretti responded with humor, describing how the helmet had to fit both of them and hinting that his brother had the larger head.
“It had to fit. Aldo had the bigger head, so it was rather a mighty helmet.”
Rivalries and Partnerships Across Racing Series
Jimmie Johnson, well-known for his seven titles in the NASCAR Cup Series, once faced Andretti’s team in the IndyCar Series after transitioning from his full-time stock car career in 2020. Currently, Johnson co-owns Legacy Motor Club and manages driving duties on a part-time schedule, ensuring his connection to racing stays strong while juggling organizational and competitive responsibilities.
On the podcast, Johnson also reflected on the broad expansion of Andretti’s team, which now competes in the IndyCar Series, Formula E, and Australia’s Supercars. Mario Andretti’s ongoing ambitions continue as he reportedly plans for a major move into Formula 1. The venture, expected in partnership with Cadillac F1, stands to make the Michigan-based team the 11th on the Formula 1 grid next season, a return to a more crowded field for the first time since 2016.
Jimmie Johnson’s Recent NASCAR Experience and Outlook
This year, Johnson stepped back onto the track, driving the number 84 LMC toyota/”>Toyota part-time. Notably, his return included participation in marquee events such as the Coca-Cola 600, but the outing was cut short when he crashed on lap 111 after getting loose and colliding with Connor Zilisch, leading to a DNF in his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start.
After the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Johnson addressed questions about his plans moving forward. Despite his disappointment from the results, he confirmed his intention to return to competition, though his race schedule remains undetermined.
“It’s been a very fun day, me at Indy (500)… to then come here and drive the (Coca-Cola) 600 in this car brought in by Toyota. Wish the results were a little better. Wish my 700th start was obviously better. I guess I did crash in my first start here, so, I don’t know. I’ll be back.” [0:24] —Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver
Looking at the future, Johnson told RACER.com he aims to participate in additional races next year, although with a reduced schedule compared to his nine outings in 2023. This is intended to balance his part-time driving with leadership needs and to avoid schedule conflicts with Legacy Motor Club’s main NASCAR Cup Series drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones. In the most recent Coca-Cola 600, while Johnson exited early, Nemechek and Jones finished 27th and 13th respectively. The event saw Ross Chastain, representing Trackhouse Racing, claim victory by overtaking William Byron in the final laps.
The Ongoing Influence of Racing Legends
The Never Settle podcast episode highlights the enduring influence and evolving ambitions of motorsport figures such as Jimmie Johnson and Mario Andretti. Johnson’s determination to return, combined with Andretti’s push into Formula 1 with Cadillac, signals that these veterans remain pivotal in shaping the future of racing, while their stories continue to inspire both their fans and colleagues across disciplines.
