The 2025 Indianapolis 500 was a showcase of speed, tradition, and celebrity appearances, with more than 330,000 fans packing Indianapolis Motor Speedway and millions tuning in globally via FOX. The “Fastest Seat in Sports” event, a popular pre-race tradition, included an electrifying lap that put a high-profile passenger—this year, football legend Tom Brady—into the hands of racing superstar Jimmie Johnson. This moment brought together two world-famous athletes and illuminated new facets of the Jimmie Johnson NASCAR return and Indy 500 ride narrative, as Johnson seamlessly transitioned from full-time NASCAR hero to an open-wheel ambassador and mentor.
Though Johnson didn’t compete in the 2025 main event, he remained a central presence during the month-long festivities. Hosting sponsor gatherings and making regular media appearances, Johnson continued building connections, but his highlight was clearly giving Tom Brady a firsthand experience of IndyCar speed.
Brady Gets a Taste of IndyCar Velocity
Jimmie Johnson detailed the adrenaline-packed ride on Marty Smith’s Never Settle podcast, recalling how Brady eagerly awaited the opportunity yet had little idea what awaited him at nearly 200 mph.
“Giving him a ride in the car is something that he was really jacked to do, and we threw TV’s big tall rear end in the back, went and sailed it around the track,”
said Jimmie Johnson, 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and seasoned IndyCar competitor. Johnson pushed the custom-built two-seater through five blistering laps, while Brady learned firsthand how raw open-wheel speed feels at such velocity.
“Bet you 190 miles an hour average, at least,”
Johnson explained. He continued,
“I mean, close to 200 on the straights. I mean, the thing flies. We were ripping. I could see in the mirror, they have a few aero devices to help the passenger. He’s so tall that he was above them, and I could see his head buffeting back and forth on the straightaway, and I think the helmet strap was trying to choke him out and was trying to lift the helmet off his head. So another lap or two, maybe he would have passed out.”
—Jimmie Johnson, 7x NASCAR Cup Series Champion and IndyCar Driver.
This brush with open-wheel speed made a big impression on Brady. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback captured his feelings on Instagram, sharing a photo with Johnson and writing,
“ x 14 What an incredible experience at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Thanks to the @foxsports family for putting on an incredible show, and to my friend, the best driver in the world and 7x champion @jimmiejohnson for letting me tag along as we led out the pack. I’ll be back, and next time I’m driving!!! PS: it was great to get in one more successful drive in front of a bunch of colts fans ,”
—Tom Brady, NFL Great. The playful jab referenced his historic playoff dominance versus the Colts, adding humor to the excitement of the day.
Johnson playfully acknowledged the moment, commenting “Such a fun time!” back to Brady. Their camaraderie, built on mutual admiration and a shared zeal for competition, added a new chapter to the Indy 500’s most memorable moments and kept fans buzzing on social media.
NASCAR Community Questions Johnson’s Racing Future
As thrilling as the Indy 500 showcase was, questions about Jimmie Johnson’s competitive edge in the stock car world continue to swirl. After transitioning from NASCAR Cup Series to IndyCar and then stepping back into NASCAR, Johnson faces recurring skepticism about whether his on-track results still match his towering legacy. Johnson’s recent 700th Cup start, occurring at Charlotte—the same venue as his debut—ended with a last-place finish, prompting critique from commentators and insiders.
“He’s fu— done. Especially after talking to him last week. Didn’t it seem like he’s fu— done?”
remarked NASCAR insider Large, reflecting a sentiment echoing in some parts of the racing world.—Large, NASCAR Insider
Despite the criticisms, many figures within the NASCAR paddock stand by Johnson and label his continued involvement as crucial. Johnson shared his enthusiasm for continuing to race, noting his podium finish in the Daytona 500 earlier in the year as proof he can still compete at a high level.
“It really is just luck that the 700th start ends up at Charlotte and the track where I had my first start,”
Johnson said on the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast.
“I hope I can get in the car a few more times this year if circumstances present themselves. And then next year and our evolution into a third car here at Legacy Motor Club. There’s an option there where I could help build the team, and so, we’re looking at that as one of the many options which would then put me in the car a fair amount next year.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Co-owner and Driver, Legacy Motor Club
Johnson’s Dual Role with Legacy Motor Club
The challenge for Johnson goes beyond adapting to NASCAR’s Next Gen vehicle, which has proven difficult even for established drivers. Since returning part-time with Legacy Motor Club—a team he co-owns—Johnson has suffered through crashes, DNFs, and unsatisfying finishes. Yet his impact as a team leader and mentor for up-and-coming drivers is highly regarded, particularly during Legacy Motor Club’s transition from chevrolet/”>Chevrolet to the <a href="https://slicksandsticks.com/tag/toyota/”>Toyota manufacturer lineup.
Without the support of powerhouse Toyota partner Joe Gibbs Racing, Legacy Motor Club is tasked with independently building its race program. Johnson’s years of knowledge and steady presence could prove key as the squad attempts to close the performance gap and develop internal championship-caliber resources.
What Lies Ahead for Johnson’s Racing Legacy?
Jimmie Johnson’s willingness to mentor, compete, and innovate ensures that he remains at the center of both NASCAR and IndyCar discussions. While the debate about his competitiveness remains active, his latest exploits—like giving Tom Brady a wild ride at Indianapolis and openly addressing challenges both behind the wheel and as a team owner—underscore his unique position as one of motorsport’s great bridges between eras and disciplines.
The anticipation surrounding Jimmie Johnson NASCAR return and Indy 500 ride, coupled with genuine friendship moments with icons like Tom Brady, has helped maintain Johnson’s relevance in a rapidly changing motorsports landscape. His next moves—whether as a driver, mentor, or co-owner—promise to shape the direction of Legacy Motor Club and influence how future legends navigate the twilight of their own competitive careers.
