Jimmie Johnson Finally Gets his IndyCar Test

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson finally got to get behind the wheel of an IndyCar Series car Tuesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, testing in one of Chip Ganassi Racing’s IndyCars.

He received from coaching from CGR drive and five-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon.

Johnson, who is retiring from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of this season, has expressed an interest in trying other forms of motorsports after he leaves stock cars, including some road course races in the IndyCar series and perhaps an attempt at the Indy 500.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver was originally supposed to conduct an IndyCar test earlier in July after the NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader weekend at Indianapolis. However, a positive COVID-19 test prevented him from participating in any on-track activities including his final Brickyard 400 as a full-time driver. After two negative COVID-19 tests, Johnson was cleared by the sanctioning body to return. He missed only the one event.

Johnson’s IndyCar test comes after an off weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series and before Sunday’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Greg Engle