Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2020 season.
In a video posted to social media Wednesday, the No. 48 Chevrolet driver said he’s “so thankful for 18 incredible years” at NASCAR’s highest level, and he’s ready for one more, hoping to compete for what would be a record-breaking eighth Cup Series championship.
“I know what this team is capable of, and I hope 2020 is one of the best yet,” Johnson said in the video.
At 44 years old, Johnson’s final Cup Series season will be his 19th with a motto of “#Chasing8 one final time”. He won five consecutive championships between 2006 and 2010 — which we argued gives him the edge in the NASCAR GOAT debate — and two more in 2013 and 2016, tying the mark set by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. In addition to his seven titles, Johnson has 83 career wins, putting him in a tie at No. 6 all time with Cale Yarborough.
Petty. Earnhardt. Johnson.
Only three drivers have seven @NASCAR championships, and in 2020 we'll say goodbye to one of the greatest to ever do it: @JimmieJohnson. pic.twitter.com/kYw3q4Wa6J
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 21, 2019
However, he’s been in a bit of a slump the last couple seasons. His last win was in June of 2017, and this season, he didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Johnson is the latest star driver to leave the sport — although, he’s the most accomplished by far. In recent years, NASCAR has lost big names, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and Carl Edwards, and has struggled to fill the growing void with someone who can transcend the sport.
His departure, however, is not surprising. Johnson has been repeatedly pressed about his future plans, especially with his three-year contract extension being up at the end of 2020.
Here’s how the NASCAR world reacted to Johnson’s announcement.
When you search "greatness," this photo is the first one that shows up.@JimmieJohnson | #Chasing8 pic.twitter.com/yroILjS6md
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2019
This man did it right from start to finish. Won everything and never changed who he was. I can’t wait to spend next year observing the weekly celebrations of one of the greatest to ever do it. https://t.co/ENMbctDABt
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) November 20, 2019
A class act & true champion on & off the track. It's been a pleasure to compete with you over the years and call you a friend throughout it all. Congrats on a phenomenal career. Best of luck #Chasing8 one last time! https://t.co/jj6Co0Sku5
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) November 20, 2019
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) November 20, 2019
Pretty rad I’ve been able to call @jimmiejohnson a teammate. I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s taught me. Let’s go get it in 2020 pic.twitter.com/ckGYyjLJ7V
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) November 21, 2019
Wow 💯 https://t.co/5epDPl0c5S
— William Byron (@WilliamByron) November 20, 2019
Congrats man!
It’ll be fun to be a part of your last season. Wishing you and the family a bright future together. 😊👍🏻 https://t.co/kVKdzbuLR3
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 20, 2019
From one of the “best to never” to one of the “best ever”, THANK YOU https://t.co/sa5xryNYfF
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 20, 2019
I said it in 2016 at the banquet and it’s worth repeating…I wasn’t able to race against Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt, but I got to race against @JimmieJohnson. You’ve won more championships then most win races and been a role model for us drivers along the way. pic.twitter.com/daxBG91Q4x
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) November 21, 2019
Caught me right in the feels. Been a pleasure Champ. Looking forward to it one last time. https://t.co/s0TJMLzmh9
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 20, 2019
7x Champions are the Elite. Best of the best. Without doubt, Jimmie Johnson conquered everything in NASCAR, just as Petty and Earnhardt did. https://t.co/aHlPpsqmJ6
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) November 21, 2019
Nobody I enjoy battling with more on the race track than 7 time. The greatest driver of my generation. Look forward to 38 more races with you! https://t.co/SmpAQz26Cz
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) November 20, 2019
Awesome to be able to race with the GOAT. Looking forward to one more year with you while you cap of your incredible career https://t.co/bJa2KimFRM
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) November 20, 2019
There is no one tougher than @JimmieJohnson on the track and no one more humble and sincere off the track. JJ is one of a kind. Proud to be friends over the years and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. https://t.co/OiEUKKnLfQ
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) November 21, 2019
.@JimmieJohnson is not a first-ballot hall-of-famer by any means.@JimmieJohnson is a don't-even-need-a-ballot hall-of-famer.#NASCAR
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) November 20, 2019
Probably the guy I respect the most in the garage area. Not only the 🐐, but also one of the most down to earth guys in all of Nascar. Congrats @JimmieJohnson on an incredible career and one more fun year👍🏻 https://t.co/sINZ4bmGSC
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) November 20, 2019
— Noah Gragson (@NoahGragson) November 20, 2019
NASCAR statement from Jim France on retirement of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion @JimmieJohnson. pic.twitter.com/VbMnJQ9DAH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2019
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