Jimmie Johnson has taken the NASCAR world by storm. The record 7-time champion is making headlines because of speculations on his next move. While the fans have continued to guess his next destination, the wait has come to an end.
Not just that, Jimmie is looking to change manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota. Chevrolet will find this situation precarious, considering Jimmie’s huge following and legacy. Having dominated the sport for a long, Chevrolet looks like finally losing the 47-year-old. The news came in an abrupt manner as Chevy was riding high on the wave of their Le Mans project. Despite that, Johnson seems to have made his decision to part ways.
TRD President Confirms a Toyota Move for Jimmie Johnson for 2024
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Toyota has consistently been a competition for Chevrolet since its entry into the sport. Expanding its scope across divisions and types of stock car racing, Toyota has tried to close the gap gradually with time. And finally, they also have the big fish in Jimmie Johnson with them as well. Toyota
Racing Development president David Wilson has let out the news about Jimmie driving for them being a real possibility. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive,” Wilson was exuberant as he announced the inclusion.
“One hundred percent. Yes, you’ll see him in a Toyota.”
“That will be very moving and emotional for me, personally and professionally, for Toyota. Now, I’ll let Jimmie fill in the blank. But I’ll just say that Jimmie Johnson will be racing a Toyota Camry before he is done as a race car driver,” announces Wilson.
Will @JimmieJohnson be driving a Toyota for @LegacyMotorclub next season in the #NASCAR Cup Series?
🗣️ "100 percent." – @DavidWilsonTRD pic.twitter.com/KjAoJWgYmQ
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) June 14, 2023
This announcement quickly waves in the industry. With increasing ambitions, Toyota looks to seal an already stacked roster with the likes of Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, and Bubba Wallace among others. It remains to be seen how Chevrolet assesses the situation and who is the replacement for such a big star. They will be looking to move on from this revelation after memorable work with Hendrick Motorsports and Goodyear in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Their participation in the Garage 56 project has earned much praise from all corners. With Jimmie behind the wheel, the special entry crossed the finish line in the 39th position.
Jim France and Rick Hendrick salute @JimmieJohnson as he finishes the 24 Hours of Le Mans for NASCAR Garage 56 pic.twitter.com/GdmCbwoHfN
— Josh Hamilton (@joshahamilton) June 11, 2023
Fans Are Critical of Chevy After Bombshell News About Jimmie Goes Viral
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The NASCAR fandom has always stood divided over differences in opinions. The recent revelation by David Wilson has attracted some heat to Chevrolet on social media. The fans have taken this chance to let out some steam on NASCAR’s winningest manufacturer.
One fan highlighted why the move is going to work out, unlike his stint at a Chevy-supplied Legacy Motor Club. “And he’ll do much better in a Toyota than a Chevrolet because they will give him what he needs to be properly prepared for the race.”
Another fan showcased his anticipation over Jimmie changing companies and the possibility of a grand collaboration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Absolutely. I’m already circling IMS on my calendar since the word circulating in the etherworld is that they will be back on the Oval next year.”
He is a team owner and wants to continue to do some races and I think Murray was in talks with Toyota long before Jimmie came along and Toyota is giving them what Chevy isn't
— John Haas (@JohnHaas1984) June 14, 2023
“let’s go toyota baby! 2024 “ said a fan, unable to hide his excitement while another fan calls him a traitor, tweeting, “Traitor!!! Ah…I guess the positive is that it will be one less Chevrolet that will be crashed when he races.” More people from the pro-Toyota faction arrive in defense of the Legacy Motor Club owner.
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Chevy has been screwing the small teams over for far FAR too long. JJ didn't buy the team to have 0 Sim time and 0 manufacturer support for his drivers.
— Champa Bay Beast (@acorman727) June 14, 2023
The topic of Chevrolet not providing adequate facilities to improve LMC’s performance was also raised. From the looks of it, Jimmie Johnson has shifted allegiance to Toyota and the fans have poured in their support for him.
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