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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
All around the world, there are a variety of motor racing circuits that are iconic. Even the United States boasts of a couple of iconic circuits, one of which is the Laguna Seca Circuit. This track is quite well-known, particularly for its legendary Corkscrew chicane. Recently, Jimmie Johnson had his first taste of the California track in an IndyCar machine, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
The 45-year-old may be a California native, but NASCAR does not usually visit Laguna Seca. Obviously, it would be a dream for him to compete at a circuit in his own backyard. The good news is that IndyCar will make landfall at Laguna Seca for the season finale.
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Since Jimmie Johnson’s contract says that he is competing in road courses, Laguna Seca falls under that jurisdiction. If fans are allowed to attend races, they will certainly be thrilled to see their hometown hero tearing up the track.
What lies ahead for Jimmie Johnson?
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The seven-time Cup Series champion and living legend is joining the Chip Ganassi Racing team for the coming season. Over there, he is set to partner defending champion Scott Dixon, Spanish driver Alex Palou and former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson. Additionally, he will share driving duties with Tony Kanaan.
USA Today via Reuters
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) races for position along side driver Bubba Wallace (43) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Admittedly, Johnson is getting the lion’s share of the work. However, Kanaan is on standby for the remaining races or during emergencies. The latter comes on the back of the fact that the former NASCAR driver missed a race this year due to testing positive for COVID-19.
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While he will take care to ensure that he does not contract it a second time, it cannot hurt to be too careful. Additionally, Kanaan could potentially act as a backup for the other four drivers for the same reason. One thing is for sure, Jimmie Johnson has not set any particular expectations for himself and simply views this as a fun exercise.
READ MORE –Best Options for Jimmie Johnson If He Decides to Run Select Races in the 2021 NASCAR Season
