Will ‘Ally Racing’ Back Jimmie Johnson For His Stint with Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar for 2021

After months of speculation and a few tests, Jimmie Johnson will finally become an IndyCar driver. The 44-year-old announced that he signed a new deal with Chip Ganassi Racing in the NTT IndyCar Series.

According to the Associated Press, Johnson is hoping to secure some sponsorship on a two-year basis. It is being speculated that his long-time sponsor, Ally, is in the running for the sponsorship role. To make matters even better, there is a chance that Johnson could race with Chip Ganassi at select NASCAR events.

“Ganassi was highly motivated to give me a chance to drive a car to see what I thought and the experience was all that I hoped for and more,” Johnson said.

“I left a good impression with them where there’s definitely interest on their side and now it’s time to formalize things and get the ball rolling.”

In response, team owner Chip Ganassi confessed that he was aware of Johnson’s wishes to race in IndyCar. However, he figured that he meant it in jest and did not realize that the 7-time NASCAR Champion was serious.

Obviously, he and the team are thrilled that Jimmie Johnson has chosen his team.

What else did Jimmie Johnson say about his new venture?

According to Johnson, his objective is to participate in IndyCar’s full road and street program. The 44-year-old is reportedly targeting at least 15 races in 2021, as well as a handful of non-IndyCar races.

The best part is that there is a chance of Johnson taking a crack at the Indianapolis 500 in 2022. Back in late July, Jimmie Johnson took part in a test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for CGR.

Needless to say, that test managed to get him even more excited about the prospect of racing in IndyCar.

“It only lit the fire more,” Johnson said. “I want to do this more than ever before. It was something new, something different. NASCAR has been so good to me. and I am so proud of the success I’ve had. But to try something new, man, this was really cool.”

Initially, he was expected to test for Arrow McLaren SP at Barber Motorsports Park in April. He even underwent a seat-fitting, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a cancellation.

ALSO READ- “It Only Lit the Fire More”- Jimmie Johnson Excited After First IndyCar Test