After Sensational Cup Return, Jimmie Johnson Could Potentially Race for a Former Rival’s Team

When Jimmie Johnson announced his return to the NASCAR Cup Series, hardly anybody saw it coming. Neither did anyone foresee the 7-time Cup Series champion joining hands with another 7-timer. To be precise, Johnson recently purchased an ownership stake in Petty GMS Motorsports, partly owned by Richard Petty, and confirmed that he will also be driving for them.

The former Hendrick Motorsports star will compete in the 2023 Daytona 500 when the season kicks off. Of course, he will be without his iconic #48 number, as Hendrick Motorsports has transferred it to Alex Bowman. Aside from the Daytona 500, Johnson will also race in other select events, the particulars of which are yet to be confirmed. Moreover, if rumors are to be believed, that is not going to be his only racing gig as someone else has been eyeing Johnson.

Where else will Jimmie Johnson race in 2023?

The 47-year-old could potentially compete in the Truck Series, for only the second time in his career. As it turns out, Kyle Busch recently hinted that he could try and coax Johnson to race for Kyle Busch Motorsports. The last time Johnson competed in the Truck Series was in 2008. He finished 34th in the race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the #81 truck for NFL Hall-of-Famer Randy Moss.

If there is some merit to the rumor, then it would mean that he was sharing driving duties with Busch and Jack Wood. The union only became possible because Busch signed up with Richard Childress Racing for the 2023 season of the Cup Series. This, in turn, strengthened his ties with Chevrolet and he brought Kyle Busch Motorsports into the mix.

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Since Petty GMS Motorsports is also a Chevrolet-affiliated team, it has made the transitions smoother. It would also give the fans a chance to see Johnson compete in the Truck Series once again. After the 2020 season, Johnson left NASCAR and retired from full-time racing. Since then, he has competed in two NTT IndyCar Series seasons. Now, the driver will be back in NASCAR next season—this time with a different team.

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