Jimmie Johnson recently shared a memorable experience from his childhood when he first saw his racing idol, Bobby Rahal, at the Del Mar Grand Prix. The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion recalled how his youthful expectations were challenged after watching the three-time CART series champion in action during the mid-1980s.
During an episode of the Never Settle podcast, Johnson responded to a fan’s question about the greatest driver he had witnessed, offering a vivid story from that moment long ago.
Jimmie Johnson’s First Encounter with Bobby Rahal at Del Mar
Johnson described the initial image he had of a racing star contrasted sharply with the reality he found when he saw Rahal.
“There is a perception when you’re a kid that you have when you look up and idolize people. The first real professional level race car driver I saw was Bobby Rahal in the 80s at the Del Mar Grand Prix in California,”
Johnson said.
He explained how he and others sneaked into the pits to get a closer look at Rahal.
“We snuck into the pits and he climbed out of this car I couldn’t believe this very normal looking dude got out of this incredible race car that we drooled over all weekend long. And he dominated the race with this weird mustache and those glasses and not much hair. I thought a gladiator was going to climb out of this car and it was Bobby Rahal,”
Johnson added.
Rahal, an Ohio native, competed in various prestigious series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Formula One, Can-Am, Le Mans/IMSA, and CART. He also made a NASCAR Cup start in 1984 with Wood Brothers Racing at Riverside, highlighting his diverse racing career.
Growth of Jimmie Johnson’s Business Ventures with New Agency Support
Earlier this year, Jimmie Johnson acquired a majority ownership stake in Legacy Motor Club (LMC), a NASCAR team currently running two full-time Cup series cars plus a part-time No. 84 Toyota for Johnson himself. In late May, Johnson partnered with the William Morris Endeavor (WME) agency, known for representing high-profile athletes such as Tom Brady and Serena Williams, to support his expanding business interests.
WME’s representation aims to assist Johnson and LMC in securing sponsorships, developing brand campaigns, and increasing their media presence. Johnson’s involvement with Sirius XM’s Never Settle podcast, which he co-hosts with Marty Smith, also benefits from this new partnership.
Beyond racing, Johnson manages several ventures including Charlie Meatball Productions, a media company; a bourbon distillery; and a veterinary practice. His portfolio extends into real estate and hospitality, where he owns and operates franchise hotels under Johnson Hospitality in Northern California, featuring brands like Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn.
Legacy Motor Club Expands Racing and Business Horizons
Legacy Motor Club has strengthened its position in motorsports with backing from private equity investor Knighthead Capital. The team has also entered the off-road electric racing series Extreme E and is evaluating opportunities to expand into IMSA racing, demonstrating an ambition to grow past NASCAR alone.
With WME’s assistance, Johnson expects to accelerate expansion into new sponsorship deals, media projects, and brand partnerships that complement both his sports and business careers.
Johnson’s reflection on seeing his first racing idol and his ongoing evolution as a driver and entrepreneur underscore the complex journey from aspirational fan to multifaceted industry leader.