Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion and current team co-owner, has publicly expressed his support for NASCAR’s recent efforts to revitalize the sport, highlighting progress like the return to North Wilkesboro Speedway and the adoption of new race formats. As Johnson continues his dual roles as owner and part-time driver, he sees the league’s positive momentum, but believes further steps, such as innovations and bringing back classic tracks, are necessary to maintain NASCAR’s upward trajectory.
Renewed Energy at Revived Venues
Johnson, balancing duties as Legacy Motor Club co-owner and competitor, has been encouraged by NASCAR’s willingness to experiment, particularly with events like the All-Star Race at the rejuvenated North Wilkesboro Speedway and the preseason Clash at Bowman-Gray Stadium. These initiatives, designed to boost both excitement and accessibility, have struck a chord with drivers and fans alike. Johnson shared his enthusiasm after attending the packed All-Star event at North Wilkesboro:
“If you like racing, that was a heck of a show, that was damn good,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver & Team Owner
Johnson noted that while the atmosphere was once at its peak during the All-Star events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, changing technology and shifts in entertainment habits caused traditional fan enthusiasm to wane over time. However, he commended NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) for adapting and investing in fan engagement, emphasizing the benefit of their companies’ shift from public to private ownership, which has opened doors to new venues and formats in cities like Chicago, Austin, and Mexico City.
Despite changes in live attendance across markets, Johnson credited higher television ratings and a willingness to embrace change for the sport’s enduring relevance. He emphasized both the passion and constructive debate among stakeholders, stating:
“The sport of NASCAR is strong, it’s healthy. We can all bitch and complain and want more for this or more for that. We all sit across the table from each other fighting for it, but it’s trending in a very positive way,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Owner
Advocating for the Return of Rockingham Speedway
Looking forward, Johnson has called for extending the revitalization strategy that benefited North Wilkesboro to another staple of NASCAR’s past: Rockingham Speedway, commonly known as “The Rock.” This track, which once hosted Cup Series events, holds special significance for Johnson and many drivers, both for its demanding nature and its tradition as a drivers’ favorite. He believes Rockingham remains a viable venue and could host a race without major renovations, yet acknowledges past issues with low spectator turnout led to its decline as a Cup fixture.
“I was happy to see Rockingham on the schedule, to have that Xfinity race there,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver & Team Owner
Johnson described the technical demands of the track and relayed his personal fondness for it, remarking:
“I love that track, it was one of my favorite places to drive. So I would put that one probably at the top of the list.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver & Team Owner
Addressing Southern California’s Racing Gap
Despite NASCAR’s forward movement, Johnson sees a significant regional challenge: the lack of a Cup-level racing venue in Southern California, his home region. With the demolition of Auto Club Speedway and delays to its planned transformation into a shorter track, there is currently a void in this important market. Johnson reflected on the ongoing issue of racetracks being repurposed for commercial and residential development, which has eroded the sport’s footprint in the area.
“It is important (to be in SoCal), but the biggest problem is we have tracks keep being ‘dozed over and becoming shopping centers and housing projects,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver & Team Owner
He mentioned possible alternatives like Irwindale Speedway, but lamented the recent closure of this facility as well. As Johnson put it:
“I just don’t know what’s standing and what’s left,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver & Team Owner
The Outlook for NASCAR and Ongoing Commitment
Through his comments and his investment as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, Johnson demonstrates faith in NASCAR’s leadership and future, even as he pushes for continued improvement. The recent decisions by NASCAR and SMI to operate as private entities have facilitated flexibility and innovation, fueling events in new cities and encouraging risk-taking. Johnson’s recommendations—revitalizing beloved tracks, filling geographic gaps, and building on the current momentum—signal his commitment to ensuring NASCAR remains vibrant and relevant for another generation.
With recent progress in fan engagement, venue revitalization, and new event formats, Johnson’s perspective reflects both satisfaction with NASCAR’s current state and an ongoing vision for a more dynamic and widespread future for the sport. As NASCAR considers its next steps, Johnson’s support and advocacy will be closely watched by fans and industry stakeholders alike, shaping conversations around innovation and tradition within the racing world.
