By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson announced on Wednesday in a Twitter video that the 2020 NASCAR Cup season will be his last as a full-time driver. Johnson is one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history and will close out next season with 19 full-time seasons of competition at NASCAR’s highest level.
Johnson made his Cup debut at Charlotte in 2001 at the age of 25, ultimately finishing 39th in his debut due to an unfortunate crash after 192 of the events 334 scheduled laps.
The 44-year old moved into NASCAR’s Cup Series full-time in 2002 with Hendrick Motorsports and has been with the organization ever since. Johnson’s seven Cup titles, including five straight from 2006-2010. The only other two drivers who have earned seven Cup titles are the late Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.
Johnson has won 83 points-paying Cup wins in his career, all of which have come behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
The El Cajon, California native has two victories in the prestigious Daytona 500, four at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and holds the record for 11 victories at Dover International Speedway. In addition, Johnson has won at the famed Martinsville Speedway nine times and eight times at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The veteran driver has led nearly 19,000 laps in his Cup career and qualified for the playoffs in 15 of the 16 seasons since the format was introduced during the 2004 season.
Johnson began racing motorcycles at the young age of five, following that up by racing in off-road trucks and then stock cars on pavement.
Johnson’s 19th and final full-time season in Cup Series competition will begin with the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday February 16, 2020.
Hendrick Motorsports has stated they will announce plans for its 2021 team alignment at a later date.
Peachy wolf what will you do & enjoy what you want to do miss you driving peachy wolf hope for an amazing time whatever you do