After Failing to Finish His Double Duty, Jimmie Johnson Gives Invaluable Advice for Kyle Larson’s Enduring Test

Jimmie Johnson’s journey in IndyCar after his full-time NASCAR retirement was a notable chapter in his illustrious racing career. After competing part-time in the NTT IndyCar Series in 2021, he decided to go full-time in 2022, behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s wheels. While he didn’t achieve podium finishes or victories, his transition from the world of stock cars to open-wheel racing was a bold move.

It showcased his versatility and passion for motorsports. One thing that has to be taken into consideration is time management. Racing in completely different types of cars simultaneously can be strenuous. Here’s what the 7-time Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson, has to advise Kyle Larson before he starts his IndyCar journey.

Warns Kyle Larson of the possible complications

FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass asked Jimmie Johnson if he had seen Kyle Larson testing for the Indy 500 and what advice he would give him. In reply to this, Johnson stated he had not seen that live. However, he acknowledged talking to Kyle Larson after the Phoenix race. Johnson asked the latter’s views about the car and the experience that he was having.

J.J. said, “Double, I mean, getting back and forth the stress and time commitment. I mean, I was really surprised how much time is required to get through the month of May. Which is just a couple weeks of May, at the track in Indy itself. Thankfully, the NASCAR schedule is much more relaxed, and he’s, I guess, he has a week four racing to deal with as well. I think travel and being able to spend that time, he’ll want to spend in Indy. That’s going to be you know, compromised a little.”

That is not all, though. The 7X Cup Series winner focused on how weather affects the race in IndyCar. If it remains dry and one can get all the laps planned, they can take advantage. At the same time, if the track’s wet, it can lead to fatal consequences, knowingly or unknowingly. And then, both NASCAR and IndyCar schedules will be in vain for, you never know, how long.

“That track time starts to shrink and that’s really what it’s about is getting reps in the very unique situations that you see in the race. Practice, I personally didn’t see the Arrow situations and the traffic situations that came about in the race. And that’s where I wasn’t as prepared as I would have liked to have seen,” Johnson continued.

The HMS star’s IndyCar open test at Indianapolis

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Kyle Larson’s return to the IndyCar was well received by fans, as he participated in the open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He had the second-fastest car on track (226.384 mph/39.7554 seconds), driving the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for 43 laps. This venture was a partnership with his NASCAR Cup Series team, Hendrick Motorsports. He surprised everyone as he continued his Cup Series consistency there, finishing second to defending Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden.

Despite rain spoiling the later part of the day, 12th-placed Kyle Larson showed his driving skills by running just four laps in the second session. Larson had a lot to catch up on, so he hovered around the Arrow McLaren shop.

“For what I needed to learn and check off my list, I thought it was a successful day,” Larson said after running laps in clean and dirty air on Wednesday’s sessions. “It’s valuable because you are not going to spend the whole race in the lead.” We hope Kyle Larson balances the schedule properly and does not seem to miss out on a race. Being on top of the table, he has a genuine chance to clinch a Cup Series title this season. Hendrick Motorsports would never want to miss out on that opportunity.