Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson faced an unexpected setback in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after a crash at Indianapolis ended his postseason hopes for the first time, but he refused to let this moment define the end of his career. Demonstrating true Jimmie Johnson NASCAR playoff resilience, he pushed past growing speculation about his future in the sport, making it clear he was not prepared to retire.
After the incident that ended his playoff streak, Johnson, then 43, became the subject of speculation regarding possible retirement from the racing community and observers alike. The mood around Johnson was tense, with many questioning whether his time at the top was nearing its close. When asked directly if he was considering stepping away, Johnson’s response was candid and firm.
“I don’t know. That’s a question that’s being asked a lot, and certainly, I think here in the next four to six months, I’m sure Mr. Hendrick’s going to be pushing on me for an answer. So I know that’s out there, but if I’m forced to make a decision, I’m choosing more years. I’m not done yet. That fire is way too intense,”
—Jimmie Johnson, via the Dale Jr. Download podcast.
This steadfast answer provided rare access into Johnson’s competitive mindset, shaped by years of triumph that include five consecutive championships and a record-breaking presence in the sport. Despite his considerable accomplishments and advancing age, Johnson’s determination and competitive drive remained undiminished, even with the odds no longer in his favor.
The 2019 season was not one of Johnson’s strongest, as he managed only three top-five finishes and ranked 18th overall with 835 points, a sharp contrast to his earlier domination. The conversation about his retirement intensified after the season, and in 2020, Johnson officially announced he would step away from full-time NASCAR competition, later turning to the IndyCar series to continue his racing career.
Johnson Shares His Perspective on Shane van Gisbergen’s Rise
During his long career, Jimmie Johnson has earned a reputation for honest commentary on hot-button issues in racing. Recently, attention in the NASCAR community shifted to Shane van Gisbergen, the Kiwi driver whose rapid success on road courses sparked conversations about him possibly being the greatest of all time on such tracks.
Johnson offered a measured assessment of these debates, reminding fans and fellow drivers that true greatness is determined over many seasons, not just a few years at the sharp end of the field.
“It’s tough to put that label on a guy two seasons into driving stock cars. But the conversation is warranted. I think time will tell. He is in another stratosphere compared to road course racers. The greatest of all time, I think that is kind of given to someone over a long duration of time, versus just a couple of years. The skills he has, if he stays in the sport for five, ten years, in my mind, the way I view it, I would then start to think greatest of all time.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Cup Scene.
Johnson’s comments highlight the competitive nature of the community and underscore how drivers like Jeff Gordon, who won nine road course events at a time when such races were less prominent in the series, set benchmarks that are not easily matched. The ongoing debates about drivers’ legacies and future prospects continue to stir passion among fans and insiders, with figures such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick, and Shane van Gisbergen frequently at the center of attention.
Though Johnson’s full-time NASCAR tenure ended, the conversations he sparks and the example he sets for perseverance ensure his influence will persist. His resilience, both after the 2019 playoff disappointment and against pressure to retire, continues to inspire the next generation of drivers as the NASCAR community evolves, and the search for the next “greatest of all time” endures.
