Jimmie Johnson discusses physical demands of IndyCar racing, opening up about how this challenge influenced his decision to end his full-time run in the series. The legendary NASCAR driver, after switching to IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021 and 2022, found the experience intensely taxing and has now focused his efforts on team ownership and select NASCAR appearances.
Transitioning From NASCAR to the IndyCar Circuit
Jimmie Johnson made the leap to IndyCar after his illustrious NASCAR career ended in 2020, joining Chip Ganassi Racing for two seasons. His standout moment came at Iowa Speedway in 2022, securing fifth place after starting from twelfth, and he even led a couple of laps in the iconic Indianapolis 500. Another highlight occurred in Texas, where he earned a sixth-place finish, confirming his ability to compete at the highest level in different racing disciplines.
The Physical Challenges That Prompted a Change
By late 2022, Johnson publicly confirmed he would not return to IndyCar for a full schedule in 2023, coinciding with his move towards an ownership role at Legacy Motor Club. However, in a recent conversation with Paul Tracy on The Racer podcast, Johnson cited another significant factor behind his departure—the extraordinary physical strain required to race in IndyCar.
“I couldn’t believe the physicality of the IndyCar. And you talk about no power steering and the implications of that, but man, the high heart rate stuff that I had to do to get ready, like the first offseason getting ready, and I used gym leo pit fit, I’m like, do I really need to do this much?”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Reflecting on testing at Barber Motorsports Park, Johnson’s perspective on the rigors of open-wheel racing became even clearer as he recounted the demanding nature of competing at this level.
“I went to I think my first test at Barber is when I realized the physical requirements and the intensity, the high heart rate intensity that went with it. Just such a physical challenge in those cars. Even hitting the brake pedal like we don’t have any brake pedal assist in IndyCars. So yeah, that 1400-1600 PSI, I mean, you’re generating that through your leg.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Focus Shifts to Legacy Motor Club and NASCAR Roles
After his IndyCar exit, Jimmie Johnson took a step back from open-wheel racing and returned periodically to the NASCAR Cup Series, but with a lighter competitive schedule. His attention has now turned to his growing responsibilities at Legacy Motor Club, where he serves as both investor and team builder. This year, Johnson has appeared in only two Cup races so far, a notable decline from the nine starts he made in the previous season.
The Road Ahead: Building a Championship Team
Legacy Motor Club’s decision to switch to toyota/”>Toyota and join forces with Joe Gibbs Racing marks a new chapter for the organization. As Johnson leads efforts to develop the team with these new alliances, the move offers a foundation for both competitive performance and occasional racing returns. For fans of Johnson and for NASCAR as a whole, his occasional appearances, paired with his team owner role, represent a promising combination for the future of the sport.
