Jimmie Johnson Recalls Driving ‘Instinctively’ Behind the Wheel of NASCAR’s Le Mans Entry

After two years away from the NASCAR Cup Series, Jimmie Johnson is back from playing in the IndyCar sand pit. This time though, he is racing for Legacy Motor Club, formerly known as Petty GMS Racing. It is also worth mentioning that he is playing an active role in NASCAR’s Garage 56 project attempting the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Earlier at the Phoenix Raceway, Johnson spoke about his experience in the car and how he got used to it.

He told the media after the pre-season test at Phoenix, “Driving the G56 car some, it’s been nice to be back into my wheelhouse. Today, I think the fifth or sixth time by was my fastest time in the car. To be able to be on pace and to be with the group that quick. It was nice just to have that to fall back on. Really instinctively drive the car instead of worrying about every little detail. Where I put the car and how I used the pedals and wheel like I’ve been doing in IndyCar for the last two years.”

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What lies ahead for Jimmie Johnson in 2023?

Johnson’s association with Richard Petty and Legacy Motor Club sees him preparing for the 2023 Daytona 500. Aside from that iconic race, he will be competing in four other races, that have yet to be named. Of course, it would be foolish to assume that Jimmie Johnson has a realistic shot at winning. Especially since he has been away from the game for two years, and NASCAR has switched to a new generation of cars.

Safe to say, the 7-time Cup Series champion will have his work cut out for him. As he will have to familiarize himself with the car, while everyone else has had a full year with it. In essence, the season could be like an extended test session. So, he will have to get used to the new car fast.

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