Jimmie Johnson Shares Heartwarming Moments With Richard Petty as He Honors the King’s 1964 Daytona Sweep

In his sophomore year as co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, Jimmie Johnson is set to take NASCAR fans down memory lane. This Thursday morning, Carvana Racing lifted the veil on Johnson’s livery for the 2024 Daytona 500, tipping their hats to the Petty family’s 75-year NASCAR legacy.

According to the reports, Johnson’s ride will sport a look reminiscent of Richard Petty’s iconic 1964 Plymouth, decked out in regal blue with Carvana’s name in crisp white letters and numbers. The big reveal to Richard Petty was a moment filled with warmth and surprises, leaving Petty in awe at the striking resemblance of Johnson’s new scheme to his classic Plymouth.

Richard Petty marvels at the similarity in the paint schemes of his 1964 Plymouth and JJ’s 2024 #84 for the Daytona 500

At the ripe age of 48, mirroring his old racing digits, Jimmie Johnson is casting a glance back at NASCAR’s golden days. When Johnson opened his laptop to show Richard Petty the design, pitching the idea of paying homage to Petty’s ’64 victory and the 75-year Petty legacy at the Daytona 500, the latter was taken aback by the striking resemblance. “Looking good. It was solid blue, that’s for sure,” he remarked, later expressing his heartfelt thanks.

“Seeing my family honored in such a significant way by another NASCAR legend, Jimmie Johnson, is a humbling experience. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of the Petty family on racing and we couldn’t be prouder to tie our storied history to Jimmie’s success and the future of this great sport.”

Johnson and Carvana whipped up a design that captures the essence of Petty’s iconic ride, right down to the chrome trims and white script. Decked out with the “Petty 75” emblem, the Camry XSE will flaunt the engine prowess on the hood’s flank, echoing the traditions of yesteryear’s racing scene.

Reflecting on his relationship with Richard Petty, Johnson mused, “The honor of my recent NASCAR Hall of Fame induction has given me time to reflect on my racing career that spans more than 21 years and on the people that have been pivotal to my journey both on and off the track. My relationship with Richard, Kyle, and the whole Petty family is so meaningful to me, and my goal was to celebrate their enduring LEGACY with this design.”

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Ryan Keeton from Carvana chimed in, “Our Petty Blue-inspired paint scheme is not merely a tribute, but a statement of our respect and admiration for the Petty family and their significant contributions to racing over the past 75 years. The close collaboration with Jimmie and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has allowed us to create a design that not only resonates with the rich history of the sport, but also aligns with Carvana’s innovative spirit.” As of now, despite a rough ride in 2023, Johnson is buckling up for a comeback, ready to take the wheel once more.

A busy track schedule for Jimmie Johnson this year

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Initially, Legacy Motor Club penciled him in for six Cup races, but the list is getting longer. Jimmie Johnson let slip in late January that he’s adding three more races to his calendar, all decked out in Carvana colors on his #84 Toyota: the iconic Daytona 500, a nostalgic return to the oval at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, and the grand season wrap-up at Phoenix Raceway.

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Before this update, Johnson’s agenda included making tracks at Texas, the Coca-Cola 600, Dover, regular and playoff season races in Kansas, and Las Vegas, sporting the logos of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Jimmie Johnson has tasted victory at Daytona before, first in 2006 and then in 2013. Now, with Richard Petty’s legendary paint scheme adorning his ride, could this throwback vibe fuel Johnson with the same winning spirit as the King himself?