Mini Bio
Johnson’s future in racing was sealed at the age of 4 when he was given a toy motorcycle for Christmas. During his fifteen-year racing career, Johnson always drove the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets. Johnson remains the only automobile racer to win the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, receiving the honor in 2009 after winning his fourth consecutive Cup Series title. Perhaps his dedication to physical fitness played a role in that honor; Johnson is known for serious physical conditioning as part of his training, even changing his diet during the playoffs to guarantee his best possible performance. Johnson even became an actor, with roles in Herbie Fully Loaded (2005) and voicing characters on shows such as Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Blaze and the Monster Machines. Johnson is now the co-owner of the NASCAR team Legacy Motor Club. He and his wife currently live in London.
Personal Life
Born: September 17, 1975
Spouse: Chandra Janway (December 10, 2004 – present), 2 children – Genevieve and Lydia
Induction
NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Position: Driver/Owner
Competed: 2001-2023
Starts/Wins/Poles: 689/83/36
Achievements
- Won 7 NASCAR Cup Series Championships, including a record five in a row (2006-2010,2013, 2016)
- Won two Daytona 500s (2006, 2013), four Brickyard 400s (2006, 2008-2009, 2012), four Coca-Cola 600′ (2003-2005, 2014), two Southern 500’s (2004, 2012), and four All-Star Race wins (2003, 2006, 2012-2013).
- Tied for sixth best with Cale Yarborough (Class of 2012) with 83 race victories.
- Entered the “400 Club” by winning his 400th Cup Series Start at the 2013 Daytona 500 on February 24, 2013, becoming the sixth driver to do so.
- Monster Mile Master – In his 2002 rookie season, Johnson won both races at Dover Motor Speedway, then won his final Cup Series win, the Drive for Autism 400, in June 2017, tying Cale Yarborough’s record 83 wins.
- Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023
Quotes & Notes
- “Some Hall of Famers said that the moment is going to get real. I think it just happened. This is the highest honor to stand alongside our sport’s greats in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.” Johnson, during his 2024 induction ceremony.
- An avid runner, Johnson finished the 2019 Boston Marathon in 3 hours 9 minutes 7 seconds, calling it one of the most challenging things he’s ever done.
- Johnson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame along with his crew chief, Chad Knaus. Both were elected on the first ballot. Knaus and Johnson didn’t get along at first, until Car Owner Rick Hendrick used a gallon of milk and plate of cookies to call them out for acting like children.
- Johnson’s NASCAR Hall of Fame ring was given to him by his youngest daughter Lydia during his induction ceremony on Jan. 19.2024.
- On a sad note, Jimmie Johnson’s in-laws perished in a murder-suicide in June 2023. This was not mentioned during his induction ceremony.
References
NASCAR Hall of Fame – Jimmie Johnson
IMDB – Jimmie Johnson
Wikipedia – Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson Collectibles (Affiliate link, should you make a purchase SportsMuseums.com may receive a commission.)