During Jimmie Johnson’s part-time IndyCar career from 2021 to 2022, his distinct driving style caught the attention of teammate and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon. Despite limited top finishes, Johnson’s adaptation of NASCAR techniques in open-wheel racing impressed Dixon, highlighting an uncommon approach on the track.
Although Johnson secured only one top-five and one additional top-10 finish in 29 starts, his fifth-place result at the 2022 Iowa Speedway for Chip Ganassi Racing stood out. Dixon noted Johnson’s unusual method of switching between the high and low racing lines during the race, a style he hadn’t witnessed before in IndyCar competition.
Dixon Reflects on Johnson’s Unconventional Driving Approach
Scott Dixon expressed admiration for Johnson’s performance and driving style during the Never Settle podcast with ESPN’s Marty Smith. He recalled his surprise watching Johnson maneuver across different track lines, stating it was “crazy” and unlike anything seen in IndyCar before.
“Well, I think he did a hell of a job,”
Dixon said.
The first time I saw Jimmie, and I was like, ‘Man, this guy is crazy.’ It was at Iowa. You were up on the high line and then kinda down on the bottom.
You were all over the place and I said, ‘Man, I’ve never seen anybody do this before in this category,’ and it was so impressive to watch. I know if you’d stayed after for at least one more season, you were going to get some crazy-good result.”
Despite Johnson’s growing proficiency, he chose to step away from IndyCar as he approached his 47th birthday, deciding to focus on other ventures such as his role as part-owner and operator of Legacy Motor Club, the organization formerly known as Petty GMS Motorsports.
“We knew more time would have helped but I was just at a point where I was ready to move on,”
Johnson said.
“But I wish I would have come to IndyCar sooner. The time at CGR with you guys, I will forever cherish. We had so much damn fun.”
To this, Dixon humorously responded,
“Let’s just say I’m glad you didn’t come to IndyCar sooner or earlier.”
Shared Concerns about Safety in Motorsports
While recollecting their time together, Dixon and Johnson also addressed the ever-present risks involved in racing, emphasizing how every driver faces danger behind the wheel. Dixon reflected on the tragic loss of teammates, including Tony Renna, who died in a 2003 tire test crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I love driving, but unfortunately I’ve had teammates that have passed (away),”
Dixon noted.
My first initiation of that was Tony Renna (killed during a tire test for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2003 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway).
“Sometimes (it) lingers in the back of your head. Yes, we have some of those check moments. It’s not a single thing you ever want to see in our sport. Maybe I’m crazy, but you never think it’s going to happen to you. For me, doing what I love far outweighs not doing it.”
Johnson shared similar feelings about the precarious nature of racing and how perspective shifts with age and family responsibilities.
“You just don’t think it’s going to happen to you, wrong or right,”
Johnson said.
“Then you have these moments that are scary and you’re just wired to brush it off. When you have kids and get older, it’s a little different. You just have this ‘It’s not gonna happen to me’ mentality.”
Johnson’s Continuing Career After IndyCar
Jimmie Johnson concluded his NASCAR Cup career with 83 wins before officially retiring in 2020. After two seasons in IndyCar, he returned to NASCAR competition and has participated in 14 races over the past three years, including two events in the current season.
This year, Johnson confirmed his enduring competitiveness by finishing third at the prestigious Daytona 500 in February, a race he had previously won twice in 2006 and 2013. His comeback underscored his lasting talent and resilience in top-level motorsports.
The unique combination of Johnson’s NASCAR background and his unexpected success in IndyCar continues to be a point of interest, especially as Scott Dixon reflects on how uncommon it was to witness such a driving style in the open-wheel series. With Johnson now focusing on team ownership and select NASCAR races, his impact on multiple racing disciplines remains significant.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Scott Dixon go to F1?
A. Dixon chose not to commit to a long-term deal with the team. This decision allowed him to move to F1 if he performed well during tests. After achieving two top-ten results at Monterrey and Motegi in the initial three races, PWR faced financial problems and had to close down.