The first and only driver in NASCAR history to win five consecutive championships, Jimmie Johnson stands as a legend whose stats are matched only by his relentless drive. He has been at the forefront of NASCAR’s flourishing through the years, and continues to chair Legacy Motor Club as the majority owner. ‘What flourishing?’ You may ask. Well, it is standing 3rd in the biggest event of the sport at 49, proving that age is just a number for veterans with an adrenaline appetite. And we are talking about the 2025 Daytona 500. But, as with any champion, the road hasn’t been without its bumps.

In a recent interview, Johnson opened up about a pivotal moment in his career that still weighs heavily on him. It’s a side of the seven-time Cup Series champion fans don’t often get to see. The emotional toll on the numbers. As he heads toward a career milestone, Johnson reflects on a time that truly “scarred” him.

Powerful emotions behind successful accomplishments

Jimmie Johnson’s career is defined by consistency and excellence, but a single moment in 2020 left a lasting mark. Just two days before the Brickyard 400 race, Johnson tested positive for COVID-19. This forced him to miss the race, with Justin Allgaier taking his place. “My unfortunate false COVID-19 positive that I had in 2020, and I missed the Brickyard 400,” Johnson explained, reflecting on the incident.

That missed race ended his legendary consecutive starts streak of 663 races, a record of reliability built over two decades! Reflecting on the incident, he candidly shared, “It really scarred me in a way.” Losing the consecutive starts streak, something he held close to his heart, was difficult to come to terms with. It was a hard moment, especially as the pandemic caused so much uncertainty, including Johnson testing positive.

However, there was a silver lining to it. Johnson was cleared to return to racing on July 8, 2020. He returned to the track for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky. For the 2025 season, Jimmie Johnson had planned participation for two events – the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. This meant that the second event, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, would mark his 700th appearance in the Cup Series.

Johnson’s connection to Charlotte Motor Speedway runs deep. “My first was in Charlotte, and now my 700th will be in Charlotte, and so it has put a lot more weight on it.” His Cup Series debut came at Charlotte in October 2001, and now, nearly 24 years later, he celebrates another major milestone at the same iconic track. A full-circle moment for the seven-time champion!

As Johnson looks back on his career, he admits that he now sees things through a different lens. “I am now reflecting and savoring my career in these moments that I have to be back in the car,” he shared. The Hall of Fame induction and fewer races ahead make each event feel all the more special to the racing legend.

Charlotte holds more than just professional significance for Johnson, it’s where he calls home. “My kid is born and being raised there. So, there is a lot of emotions attached to that side,” he explained. The emotional connection to this milestone is what makes his upcoming race even more meaningful as he approaches another pivotal moment in his illustrious career. But, there is this one place which has a majority stake in Johnson’s success, and it is NOT Dover International Speedway!

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Jimmie Johnson’s connection with Charlotte

Jimmie Johnson’s connection with Charlotte runs far deeper than just his on-track dominance. It’s a relationship built on history, success, and a sense of belonging that has only grown over time. Charlotte Motor Speedway is where Johnson made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2001. It launched a career that would see him become the winningest driver in the track’s storied history, with 12 Cup victories to his name. His mastery at Charlotte is unmatched, earning him a reputation as “THE man to beat” at America’s Home for Racing.

The bond between Johnson and Charlotte is also personal. Johnson has called Charlotte his home for many years, raising his family there and becoming a fixture in the local community. The city has witnessed both his career milestones and personal growth, making it a place of deep emotional significance for the seven-time champion.

Charlotte Motor Speedway has honored Johnson’s legacy with a massive 207-square-foot mural on the front stretch concourse. It celebrates his historic victories and cements his place in the track’s (and the city’s) history. In addition, the speedway established the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship Fund. It has a $48,000 endowment supporting local students, furthering his impact beyond racing.

For Johnson, every return to Charlotte is more than just another race. It’s a homecoming to the site of his greatest triumphs and a community that has embraced him as one of its own.