Jimmie Johnson on transition from NASCAR to IndyCar has drawn new attention after his recent in-depth discussion about the difficulties he faced adapting between these two top-level motorsport series. Speaking with former IndyCar driver Paul Tracy, Johnson reflected on the major challenges he experienced after years as a leader in NASCAR before moving to the IndyCar Series in 2021 and 2022.
The Complexities of Moving Between Stock Cars and Open-Wheel Cars
America’s motorsports landscape is heavily defined by both NASCAR and the IndyCar Series, with drivers like Jimmie Johnson taking bold steps to attempt success in both. For drivers, the switch isn’t just about new tracks or teams—it’s about mastering vehicles that offer dramatically different driving experiences. As Johnson explained to Tracy, even talented competitors like Kyle Larson have wrestled with this transition, as seen during the Memorial Day Weekend “Double,” which involves racing in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Jimmie Johnson Describes the Learning Curve
After decades in NASCAR’s Cup Series, Johnson stepped into IndyCar for the first time in his career, competing during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He looked back with a sense of fulfillment, yet he openly acknowledged how much there was to unlearn and then adapt to as an open-wheel rookie. Johnson shared,
“I had two amazing years and a lot of fun. But one thing that was really tough for me to grasp and part of that unlearning, I had to unwind and then relearn… is that in IndyCar, as you start getting close to pace, the car starts moving around a little bit.”
—Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Johnson continued to detail how the technical distinctions between the cars require a new understanding for any driver attempting the switch. He emphasized,
“In a stock car, when it moves around, you’re at the threshold of the mechanical grip that’s available because it’s more mechanical grip than aero grip. So, you back up a step. In an Indy Car, you’re just getting into the bottom side of the performance window. When it moves around, you’ve got to commit more, and there’s more if you’re going faster.”
—Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Adjusting Expectations in a New Era of Racing
For racing legends like Johnson, embarking on a new venture such as joining the IndyCar Series can be as challenging as it is rewarding. His experience highlights the essential differences in vehicle handling between stock car racing and open-wheel racing, providing deeper insight into why few top-level drivers master both fields. This open discussion between Johnson and Tracy not only illustrates Johnson’s personal journey but also underscores the significant technical and mental hurdles faced by anyone determined to cross motorsport’s greatest divides.
