By Luis Torres, Staff Writer
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson had his much anticipated NTT IndyCar Series test with Chip Ganassi Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course Tuesday.
It was third time’s a charm as the COVID-19 pandemic postponed an initial test with Arrow McLaren SP at Barber Motorsports Park back in March. Even earlier this month, Johnson was supposed to test with Ganassi following the “Indy Crossover” before testing positive for COVID-19, forcing him to miss his first NASCAR Cup race.
On his way to the test at Indy, Johnson described on his social media outlets that Tuesday’s test would feel like Christmas as he came from Colorado the night before.
Today was incredible. Sign me up for more! pic.twitter.com/oz69CimIAp
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
Once arriving at IMS, the life-long dream of driving an Indy car machine became a reality and with the help from five-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon, Johnson made most out of his opportunity as he navigated the 2.439-mile road course with Felix Rosenqvist’s No. 10 NTT Data Honda.
Following the first run, CGR’s Managing Director Mike Hull shared on Twitter what the four-time Brickyard 400 winner had to say:
“It certainly was my dream as a kid to be an INDYCAR driver, went a different direction which has served me well, this lights my fire,” said Johnson.
For the rest of the day, Johnson ran several laps and when it was all set and done, an awesome experience was an understatement.
“What a day. A wrap on an awesome, awesome experience,” said Johnson. “Big thanks to Chip Ganassi Racing, Scott Dixon, Chip and everybody involved. That blew my mind. I had such an awesome experience today.”
Appreciate having @scottdixon9 come out to the test today to share pointers and give feedback.
Just finished reviewing his in-car footage compared to mine then took a ride on the track together to check brake points and areas to gain a little speed. pic.twitter.com/VjgueGgj3k
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
Time will ultimately tell when Johnson will make his INDYCAR debut as 2020 will be his final full year in NASCAR. In the meantime, he’ll take home a gift from IMS President Doug Boles and a once in a lifetime opportunity of running a current Indy car. Certainly, not a bad Christmas day for seven-time.
Fun day @IMS as @JimmieJohnson did his @IndyCar debut test! And, we gave him a gift to thank him for his 18 400 starts, 4 wins, 1 Pole, 306 laps led, and mostly for appreciating IMS history! Pylon piece & 4 original bricks. #SevenTime to some, #FourTime to us! pic.twitter.com/XgpchgbsAU
— J. Douglas Boles (@jdouglas4) July 28, 2020
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