In a moment that feels like NASCAR history meets hip-hop magic, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson reminisced about an unforgettable night from his 2016 championship party. Fresh off his record-tying seventh title win, Johnson didn’t just celebrate with his team; he brought out none other than Snoop Dogg to perform.
Known for his laid-back vibe and chart-topping hits, Snoop Dogg brought a new energy to Hendrick Motorsports’ inner circle. And, according to Johnson, he lit up the room, especially getting a nod of approval from Linda Hendrick, wife of team owner Rick Hendrick—a rare, big-win celebration she wouldn’t soon forget.
Jimmie Johnson becomes a fan of Snoop Dogg
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Jimmie Johnson recently reminisced about his 2016 championship party, a night he said was made even more special by “world-class” entertainment from none other than Snoop Dogg. Fresh off his record-tying seventh title with Dale Earnhardt, Johnson wanted a celebration to remember, and Snoop delivered. “He put on a great show and just a ton of fun,” Johnson recalled. But it wasn’t just the music that made the night memorable. Snoop’s laid-back charm and natural charisma won over everyone in the room, including the Hendrick family matriarch. “He would light Mrs. Hendrick up, put a smile on her face, and then turn and talk to whoever,” Johnson laughed, clearly still enjoying the memory.
Talking to Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports, Johnson didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite celebratory moment. For the seven-time Cup Series champion, that 2016 party stood out above all others. “In our seventh championship, we had Snoop Dogg play our championship party for Hendrick, and that was world-class,” he shared. The party marked a milestone for Johnson, not only as an achievement on the track but as a celebration that he still speaks of to this day. Snoop didn’t just perform at the after-party; he connected with everyone, from crew members to fans.
And Snoop’s involvement didn’t end with his performance. The hip-hop legend hung around, chatting and laughing with Johnson and his crew well into the night. “He was so gracious and stayed in the party afterward, just socializing and hanging out,” Johnson explained. “He’s so comfortable with being himself. It’s phenomenal,” Johnson added, a bit of admiration in his tone.
Here is Jimmie Johnson telling me about Snoop Dogg at the championship party in 2016 … full story on champions speaking about their championships: https://t.co/9QcALidrGB pic.twitter.com/FSr1bKRwBb
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 3, 2024
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Did Jimmie Johnson's party with Snoop Dogg redefine how NASCAR champions celebrate their victories?
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For Jimmie Johnson, that night was more than a victory party; it was a cultural crossover where he, one of NASCAR’s greats, got to celebrate with a music icon. The memory of Snoop making Linda Hendrick laugh, “lighting her up,” as Johnson put it, stands as a perfect example of how the D-O-double G filled the room that night. But it was not an easy task to get the king of ‘G’ rap for the party.
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How Hendrick Motorsports got Snoop Dogg for Jimmie Johnson’s party
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When Jimmie Johnson wanted to celebrate his record-tying seventh NASCAR championship, he knew he needed someone special to make the party unforgettable. So, who better than Snoop Dogg? After all, if you’re a seven-time NASCAR champ, you go big or go home. Johnson, no stranger to working the connections he’d built over the years, set his sights on bringing Snoop to the post-banquet bash in Las Vegas, a party meant for Hendrick Motorsports and a few hundred of Johnson’s closest friends.
It wasn’t exactly easy, though. Johnson admitted he had to put in some serious effort to reach Snoop. “Just started making phone calls,” he explained during NASCAR’s Media Tour. Luckily, he had a connection to Snoop from a charity event he co-hosted with Nick Lachey called Super Skins before the Super Bowl. Even with that past connection, it took some persistent work. For an entire week leading up to the big night, Johnson was dialing and reaching out, determined to make it happen. “I had a hard time getting to him,” Johnson admitted, laughing about the hurdles he faced.
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In the end, Snoop showed up and, according to Johnson, “blew everybody’s mind that was in the room.” The legendary rapper put on a show that had everyone talking till today. It was exactly what Johnson was hoping for, and Snoop didn’t disappoint, taking the party to a whole new level. Did you follow Jimmie Johnson’s 7th title-winning race and its celebrations live? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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Did Jimmie Johnson's party with Snoop Dogg redefine how NASCAR champions celebrate their victories?