[autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag]’s first 1.5-mile race in the NextGen car didn’t go well during the 2023 Coca-Cola 600 after crashing out. However, Johnson’s second race was an improvement at Texas Motor Speedway. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion spun out in Stage 1 but crawled back onto the lead lap. Johnson ran all of the laps and finished in 29th place.
Following the event, Johnson talked about his return to Texas with Legacy Motor Club and was pleased with the opportunity to learn more about the NextGen car.
“Certainly, learned a lot today with our AdventHealth Camry. It’s the most laps I’ve had in this new car,” Johnson said. “Just trying to understand how you make speed, how you adjust the car, really going through a whole weekend of practice, into qualifying and adjustments and changing over for the race.”
Jimmie Johnson goes for a spin early in Texas. https://t.co/kb4VfZQm1t pic.twitter.com/MerthRV4o1
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 14, 2024
“I now have an idea of what to do. I didn’t run enough in [Charlotte Motor Speedway], so I feel like I learned a lot this weekend to help myself. We have some work to do. We are not where we need to be as a company, but we will keep working hard and get there.”
NASCAR’s lack of practice has hurt Johnson’s efforts to learn more about the NextGen car, so completing the entire race is significant. Finishing 29th place may not be great, but last Sunday’s experience was the most crucial part. Johnson can now apply what he learned to his No. 84 car and try again at Dover Motor Speedway in two weeks.
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