Jimmie Johnson Leaves Out Kyle Busch & Names 2 Surprise Candidates to Follow in Kyle Larson’s Footsteps for an Indy500 Double

Jimmie Johnson retired from the NASCAR Cup Series in 2020—four years after equaling Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt’s record for most Cup championships (7). However, the NASCAR legend made a return to the Cup Series for the Daytona 500 this year after spending the last two seasons in IndyCar. While Johnson will not be a part of the Indianapolis 500, he plans on showing off his versatility by competing in the 24 Hours Le Mans race this year.

Meanwhile, 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is also set to participate in the Indianapolis 500 next year with McLaren Racing. He will, hence, be attempting The Double by also racing the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte later that day.

This topic came up recently when Johnson made an appearance on The Dale Jr. Download podcast alongside co-hosts Conor Daly and Joey Mulinaro. During the conversation, Johnson and the co-hosts discussed the candidates who had the potential to be a part of the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indy 500. Interestingly enough, Johnson omitted Kyle Busch from the list.

Jimmie Johnson names NASCAR picks for a double

In the recent iteration of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, the co-host Conor Daly asked Jimmie Johnson to list the NASCAR drivers who could race in the IndyCar series as well. He added, “Definitely young guys as well like Kyle Larson. But very very good right now in the Cup Series. Who would you think your top three potential candidates for doing a double would be?”

While leaving out Kyle Busch from the list, Jimmie Johnson stated, “I think what Kyle (Larson) is going to do, will continue to break down his barriers that I even had of my safety, concerns of my safety.” 

Moreover, Johnson said, “But when I look at Chase Elliott and his ability to dominate road course races. I think he would be a great candidate. And I know William Byron went for a two-seat ride when we were there for the shared event, the Brickyard 400 and the IndyCar Double. And he came out of there asking a lot of questions.”

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Thus, Johnson surprisingly named Chase Elliott and William Byron as the drivers who could be seen pulling off the Indianapolis 500–Coca-Cola 600 double in the future like Kyle Larson.

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Johnson is hopeful about NASCAR’s association with IndyCar

The Legacy Motor Club team co-owner reckoned that a lot of drivers might have doubts about considering IndyCar racing because of safety concerns, just as he had when he first started back in 2021. However, he suggested that the IndyCar vehicles were technically a lot safer due to the aero screens and the halo technology.

However, Johnson felt like the clouds of doubt are fading quickly and more drivers, teams, and sponsors are understanding the potential of racing in IndyCar. He also added that it would even be beneficial to NASCAR.

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