Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR fitness journey transformed how stock car drivers approach their craft, highlighting the connection between rigorous training and on-track success. Speaking to The RACER magazine, Johnson explained how embracing triathlons propelled his performance and set new standards for endurance and focus in motorsport.
Shifting the NASCAR Fitness Paradigm
Before the current era where most drivers adopt endurance athlete routines to handle cockpit heat and G-forces, Johnson was already prioritizing fitness. As a seven-time champion, he stood out by going beyond standard gym exercises, striving to become a high-performance competitor as part of his preparation for racing.
On The RACER magazine’s YouTube channel, Johnson discussed how his transition started with intensive weightlifting and regular gym visits. The interviewer, Paul Tracy, asked about his typical weekly cycling hours during his peak. Reflecting on this shift, Johnson emphasized how he began taking himself more seriously as a Cup Series racer thanks to increased accountability and structured discipline.
Johnson shared the benefits that came with this dedication, from diet to daily habits.
“I just made better decisions during the week. From what I was eating, my rest, I was up earlier, I was more efficient during the day, got deeper into my notes, deeper into engineering and all these different elements.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Seven-Time NASCAR Champion
Discovering Triathlons and a New Training Approach
However, the repetitive nature of gym workouts began to wear on him, prompting Johnson to look for fresh challenges. With a background in mountain biking and school swimming, triathlons soon caught his interest. Johnson described how he got teammates and fellow driver Kasey Kahne involved, adding a sense of camaraderie to his fitness routine.
One memorable experience came after a July race in Daytona, when Johnson and his crew joined a sprint-distance triathlon the next morning in Charleston, South Carolina. This immediate transition from the racetrack to a multi-sport event underscored how triathlons became a new kind of competition for him and ignited a passion that closely paralleled the demands of racing.
Building Structure and Focus Through Endurance Sports
Johnson began to design his training schedules around triathlons, finding that structured plans provided more than just physical benefits. He highlighted the mental and organizational advantages that endurance sports brought into his life.
“I started building some structured training around it and I found again that the accountability, the nutrition, the hydration, the meditative nature of following a line in the bottom of the pool and swimming to being on my rides, to running. I got my day organized and all I would think about was the race car and what I needed to do there.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Seven-Time NASCAR Champion
Not only did this training help him physically prepare for the car’s demands, but it also fostered a stronger mindset, allowing for deeper focus on each aspect of his racing career. Swimming, cycling, and running became interlinked with his professional pursuits and provided a way to clear his mind while sharpening his competitive edge.
Legacy and Setting New Standards for Drivers
During his peak years, Johnson achieved remarkable levels of endurance. He mentioned that in 2018, while gearing up for the Boston Marathon, he managed to run 100 miles each week. This level of preparation put him in a league of his own and served as a model for aspiring drivers hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Today, Jimmie Johnson’s approach influences a new generation of drivers, although few truly understand the discipline and commitment required to match his achievements. By integrating triathlons and a comprehensive fitness philosophy, Johnson redefined what it means to prepare for NASCAR at the highest level, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the track.
