Amid Shocking Retirement Rumors, Grieving 7-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Gets His Flowers at the End of His Career

At the end of the 2020 NASCAR Cup season, Jimmie Johnson walked away from the sport. Of course, he was hardly idle because he plied his trade in IndyCar for a couple of years. A year later, a bombshell dropped when he announced that he would be part-owner of the Petty GMS Racing team. The team has since been rebranded as Legacy Motor Club, and Johnson will be back in racing action at limited races.

So far, he has competed in three races with less-than-stellar results. He may be a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, but two years away from the sport can take its toll. To make matters worse for him, Johnson is piloting an unfamiliar car because this is a newer generation. His contemporaries already had a full year and various tests to get used to the car, but he didn’t, so he has to suffer.

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Could this officially be the final season for Jimmie Johnson?

In a bit of bad news for Johnson fans, the legendary driver could be calling time on his career for good. This wasn’t exactly a spur-of-the-moment decision, but certain circumstances are forcing his hand. A couple of weeks ago, tragedy struck the former Hendrick Motorsports star. As it happened, he lost his in-laws in a tragic murder-suicide. At the time, he was gearing up to compete in the inaugural Chicago Street Race.

When the news broke though, he wasted no time and pulled out of the event. Obviously, his main priority was to be with his remaining family in this dark time. According to a report, the 47-year-old veteran is considering retirement as he helps his family cope with the tragedy.

Some good news amid Jimmie JOhnson’s retirement rumors

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Amidst the tragedy, there has emerged a ray of hope for the living legend. According to the latest news, he and legendary Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Chad Knaus could be up for an incredible honor. To be exact, they are among 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, class of 2024. Now it is not so easy to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Johnson and Knaus would have to be voted in by a 61-member committee.

Of course, Johnson and Knaus make a very strong case for themselves. All seven of Johnson’s Cup titles in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2016 were won with Knaus as his crew chief. Also, considering that the former Hendrick star is tied with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, there is nothing to sniff at either. Aside from them, other candidates include Carl Edwards, Neil Bonnett, Jeff Burton, Ricky Rudd, and Harry Gant. Other nominees include Tim Brewer, Harry Hyde, Larry Phillips, Donnie Allison, and AJ Foyt. Sam Ard, Banjo Matthews, and Ralph Moody.

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