Chase Elliott Reveals How Jimmie Johnson Constantly Motivated Him ahead of NASCAR Championship Race

Without a doubt, Jimmie Johnson will go down as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers. Aside from his prowess as a racer, he is also an incredible person away from it. According to Chase Elliott, the veteran has been incredibly supportive of him through the Phoenix weekend.

“I feel like he was as big of a cheerleader anybody was throughout the week,” Elliott said.

“There were mornings I’d wake up and have a text from him just checking in. ‘How are you doing? You making it this week?’ That kind of thing, which is really cool. I felt like he was excited for us, which was pretty special to see.”

Johnson has really taken to his role as a mentor and was always ready to lend an ear to Chase Elliott. It only serves to strengthen his legend even further.

From a statistical point of view, he is right up there alongside the likes of the legendary Richard Petty and the late great Dale Earnhardt.

Chase Elliott is proud to have Jimmie Johnson as a friend

The newly-crowned champion insisted that anybody who has gotten to know of Jimmie Johnson is proud of him. The 24-year-old stated that they cherish his friendship and the example he sets off the track. He also assured that even if Johnson is no longer on the NASCAR grid, it will not affect his friendship in any way.

Truthfully speaking, seven Cup Series titles are no ordinary feat. So, it could be a long time before any driver matches it. During Petty and Earnhardt’s racing days, everyone thought that their records were untouchable. However, nobody told this young upstart from California.

In a similar vein, everyone thought that Michael Schumacher’s 91 wins and seven F1 championships were unbeatable. However, Lewis Hamilton has gone and re-written all the record books.

READ MORE – “Just Proud to Have Had Him as Friend” – Chase Elliott on Jimmie Johnson’s Influence