Racing legend Jimmie Johnson may have retired from NASCAR but the 45-year-old's days of speeding are far from over as he gears up to take his talents to IndyCar. With the coronavirus pandemic having delayed the 2020 NASCAR season, Johnson called it quits, so he could prepare to mash the pedals in a vehicle that he'd actually envisioned himself driving many years earlier.
"As a kid, IndyCar was really the dream for me. My opportunities took me to NASCAR and clearly I'm so thankful for the journey I've been on, but in 2018 I had a chance to drive a Formula One (F1) car and that experience was so intense and so cool that I needed more of it in my life and was able to put this opportunity together with Carvana and Chip Ganassi Racing for this season and for next," Johnson told Cheddar.
Like F1 race cars, IndyCar uses an open-wheel design.
While the racing legend spent nearly two decades behind the wheel of a stock car, he's only had "a handful" of test sessions before his IndyCar debut. If you thought that might impact Johnson's psyche and make for a nervous debut, he said it "totally does." For the most part, it will be a learn-as-you-go type of experience for the veteran racer.
"For me, really everything's different. I mean, not only the car, which you can visually see and the performance side to it, but the tracks are all new and different, and I've never been to them," Johnson said. "Some are temporary street circuits in downtown districts that are just there for four or five days and they're gone."
As Johnson prepares to make his first appearance at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, he is also touting a partnership with Alcon, a Swiss-based eyecare company. Johnson who suffers from seasonal allergies, with itchy eyes being a major symptom, said the partnership was the perfect match.
Magic Johnson just closed a new deal with CBD company Uncle Bud's. The NBA legend talks benefits of CBD and joining the team at Uncle Bud's.
Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz talked with Cheddar about the opportunities that DraftKings' status as official betting operator with the PGA Tour affords both golf fans and the gambling and fantasy sports company itself.
Two major league games scheduled for Monday night have been postponed as the Miami Marlins deal with a coronavirus outbreak that stranded them in Philadelphia.
The Seattle Kraken becomes the NHL's newest hockey team. Co-Owner, Jay Deutsch, talks deciding on the team name and what it means to become part of such a large organization in the NHL.
Following successes like 'The Last Dance' & 'Tom vs Time,' Religion of Sports has raised $10 million as the company looks to expand its presence in sports media. CEO, Ameeth Sankran, talks making a lasting imprint by telling important sports focused stories.
The NHL’s newest team finally has its name: the Seattle Kraken. The expansion franchise unveiled its nickname Thursday, ending 19 months of speculation.
Mayor Muriel Bowser weighs in on the Washington Redskins name change after the organization faced opposition from sponsors and advertisers.
The Washington Redskins will change their team nickname following mounting pressure from sponsors and advertisers. CEO of the Aspire Group, Anthony Tall, talks hurdles the team will face both from fans and the financial burden of re-branding changes.
NBA photographer Andy Bernstein talks season return and plans to document players' reaction to calls for social and racial change amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Oura CEO, Harpreet Singh, talks development of a wearable ring that detects symptoms of COVID-19 and partnership with the NBA as the league heads to Orlando to restart game play.
