As the NASCAR mid-season draws to a close, we go forward to the much-awaited conclusion. But not before running a few legacy races that will witness racing legends take up the wheel. The Brickyard 400, a crown-jewel race of the sport, has not seen the light of day since 2020. And as Rick Hendrick will be driving the honorary pace car at the 30th Brickyard 400 race, a timeless icon will be there as well to brighten up this weekend: Jimmie Johnson.

There is hardly anything in the sport that the seven-time Cup Series champion has yet to achieve. Now under the guidance of a loved one, Johnson is geared up to make NASCAR’s Indianapolis comeback a family affair.

Jimmie Johnson is taking the wheel with a familiar voice.

After hanging up his firesuit as a full-timer in 2020, Jimmie Johnson focused on his ownership duties at the Legacy Motor Club team. He went into IMSA part-time and IndyCar full-time. Johnson peered back into NASCAR on select occasions, like his five Cup runs this season or replacing Richard Petty’s Grand Marshal duties at Kansas Speedway. But this weekend, things are set to get spicier, and for JJ lovers, there’s a surprise.

Knowing that Johnson already has four wins at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and that his IndyCar experience offers an added edge, the icing on the cake would be his father spotting for him. Yes, Gary Johnson will have his second set of eyes and ears at the Brickyard 400 race.

NASCAR journalist Joseph Srigley updated on X, as he wrote, “In Sunday’s #Brickyard400, @JimmieJohnson will have his father Gary spotting for the No. 84 @LEGACYMotorClub team in Turn 3, assisting primary spotter Earl Barban. Barban and the elder Johnson previously teamed up to spot the 2022 Indianapolis 500 for Jimmie Johnson.”

This continues a father-son tradition established in 2022. After carving out a glittering record in NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson was prepared to take on IndyCar. Prior to his Indianapolis 500 debut, he had the third fastest time at 227.722 mph in practice, and his dad was a spotter in Turn 3.

Johnson said at the time about his father, who raced motocross as a teen: “I know how much he loves to come, and I know how much I love to have him here.” Johnson led two laps and ran well until a crash spun him out during the closing laps.

This time around, Jimmie Johnson fondly cherishes his past experience in Indianapolis. Driving the No. 84 Toyota Camry, the 83-time Cup winner is looking forward to the weekend, as nobody has wheeled the Next-Gen Cup car around the 2.5-miler yet. “The place is sacred, and I can’t help but smile when I look back on all the experiences I have had over my entire career at this track. With no one racing this car on this configuration, it’s going to level up the playing field slightly.” 

Having his father accompany spotter Earl Barban would also level up the excitement. However, this is not the only family flavor JJ is throwing in this year’s Brickyard 400.

More on his car design and special designers

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Jimmie Johnson’s outings at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have heralded the extreme ends of a spectrum. Either he was spectacular, notching four wins (2006, 2008, 2009, 2012), or he lagged behind direly. His last NASCAR run on the track was in 2019, where he led four laps but crashed. But this time around, he has some added tricks up his sleeve. Besides his father spotting for him, more of his family will bless his No. 84 car.

For the Brickyard 400, Johnson will sport a one-of-a-kind paint scheme. His daughters Genevieve and Lydia expertly designed it on the occasion of Father’s Day. The 84 Toyota Camry features a visionary blend of colors and patterns that narrate Jimmie Johnson’s life and career. It is a colorful affair: pink, turquoise, yellow, and purple doodles adorn the ride. The family’s spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Meatball, is also painted on the car to remind Johnson of all the love.

As Jimmie Johnson goes into this full-family-oriented race, he hails his sponsor, Carvana, for letting his girls pour out their love and artistic expression on his car. “I’m thankful to Carvana for allowing my girls to design this very special paint scheme. It’s going to be awesome to see it in real life and on the track.” 

Evidently, Jimmie Johnson will get a tremendous boost from his family to excel once again at the Brickyard 400. Let us wait and see if the NASCAR legend can flash his old glory at Indianapolis this weekend.