Seven-time NASCAR Cup series champion Jimmie Johnson will continue in IndyCar next year for his first full-time campaign.
Johnson, who switched to IndyCar with Ganassi this year, chose not to drive the races on oval tracks in his first campaign. Despite his wealth of oval experience, Johnson cited safety concerns for IndyCar running on the high-speed tracks.He therefore did not participate in the flagship Indianapolis 500 race, which pays double points, and three other oval rounds this year. The 46-year-old finished 26th in his debut season, scoring 108 points.
However after re-signing to Ganassi for 2022, Johnson said that he has committed to a complete season in single seaters, including the 500 and all oval tracks.
Having tested on an oval after the end of the season, Johnson said his concerns had been allayed. “I’m really excited about this next chapter of my career,” he said. “The safety of these cars has come so far and after I tested the ovals at Texas and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I realised this was a challenge I wanted to undertake.”
There are five oval races on the 2022 IndyCar calendar, starting with the second race at Texas Motor Speedway, followed by the Indy 500. The teams will race at Iowa Speedway twice and Gateway.
Romain Grosjean, who also initially declined to run oval tracks on a safety basis, has also committed to a full season of them for 2022.
Johnson will remain alongside champion Alex Palou, six-times champion Scott Dixon and multiple race winner Marcus Ericsson at Ganassi.
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pastaman
15th December 2021, 19:02
Nice guy, and obviously a tremendous talent in NASCAR, but the only reason he has an Indycar seat is so Carvana can get their ads everywhere
Sean
16th December 2021, 5:28
Its not like he is taking a seat away from anyone like what would happen in F1. That entire program exists only because of the money he brings and will likely go away when he does.
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
16th December 2021, 13:07
True that. In fact, a 4th car for Ganassi is probably not what they really want right now. I get the feeling that they’d be happier with 3. More isn’t always better (see Penske and Andretti).
paulsf1fix
17th December 2021, 12:42
I know the guy is a Nascar Legend but a best result of 17th?
I hope he gets better results next year and I hope he qualifies for the Indy 500.