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.
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Alex Barrett discusses why he believes taking his salary in crypto is the best financial decision for him, while Bitwage CEO Jonathan Chester breaks down how Barrett and other crypto investors can best utilize his platform.
The 2022 NBA playoffs are intensifying as four teams vie for an NBA finals berth. Tonight, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors can book their finals ticket with a win over the Dallas Mavericks, while Miami will be feeling the 'heat' tomorrow night, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics.
And with the growing popularity of sports betting, the NBA playoffs offers a potential money-making opportunity for fans. Trysta Krick, host of BetMGM Tonight, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is displaying his world-renowned collection of historic memorabilia to the public for the first time in the Big Apple. Irsay joined Cheddar News to talk about why he's bringing artifacts from the Beatles to Jerry Garcia to light now. "I borrow all this stuff, you know, and I just feel kind of an obligation to share it with the public and make it come alive if you will," he said.
Ryan Hammond, Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains how the Eagles Autism Challenge came together and how the entire organization, beginning with team owner Jeffrey Lurie, has been able to raise autism awareness to new levels.
Alex Glaze and Trysta Krick tell viewers which NBA wagers will be a slam dunk while Gabe Lacques steps into the batter's box with his best picks for MLB Opening Day.
Sponsored by BetMGM.
Alex Glaze and Trysta Krick provide their winning strategies for betting on the end of the NBA Play-In Tournament and the start of the playoffs, while Minty Bets breaks down Thursday night's MLB slate and pitches her top picks.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Alex Glaze and Michael Jenkins size up Saturday's Final Four matchups while David Salituro tells us what to expect - and who to bet on - when it comes to MLB Opening Day and the Masters Tournament.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Olivia Harlan Dekker, Alex Glaze and ESPN College Gameday analyst LaPhonso Ellis deliver their top plays for the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament, with Glaze also discusses what Kyrie Irving's eligibility for home games means for the Nets title chances.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Olivia Harlan Dekker, Alex Glaze, and Sean Green provide viewers with all the intel they need to place winning bets and dominate their brackets during the NCAA Tournament, ranging from breakout performers, most likely upsets, and who will win it all.
Sponsored by BetMGM
With Selection Sunday just days away, Olivia Harlan Dekker and Tyler Fulghum break down Thursday night's action and the outlook for several key conference tournaments. Meanwhile, Alex Glaze dishes out his top plays for a star-studded Thursday night NBA doubleheader.
