via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, is introduced prior to the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
There are many things by which race car drivers remember their big moments. Yes, there are trophies to put on the shelf, but one of the other important mementos of such moments are firesuits. And for a NASCAR driver, no suit would be more iconic than that from a Daytona 500 win; something which two-time Daytona winner Jimmie Johnson recently put on public display.
But not in the way one would normally expect.
Jimmie Johnson posted a tweet in which he revealed that his 2006 firesuit is on display at a Charlotte museum. And the iconic piece of clothing was given a different treatment by renowned installation artist E.V. Day.
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E.V. Day did an incredible job transforming my 2006 Daytona 500 winning firesuit into this work of art. It will be on display at the @TheMintMuseum starting today through June 5, 2022 if you’re in Charlotte and interested in experiencing it in person. pic.twitter.com/NyGb3n4qxT
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) December 23, 2021
The suit is beautifully displayed in its various bits and pieces; it is suspended in the air in its fragmented form in an abstract artistic manner.
The saying, ‘art is subjective’ was truer than ever in this instance. Because Jimmie Johnson, treating his own firesuit in his way of liking divided many fans. Some of them were quite critical, while some of them admired the art piece.
Fans split over the firesuit
wow Jimmie…..why….thats not art…why wouldn't you keep the firesuit to your first Daytona 500?
— Ash (@AshZieg1) December 23, 2021
"Art"…. what a waste of a piece of NASCAR history
— Veebee (@LyleKarson) December 23, 2021
Everyone saying that's not art has a narrow mindset. It is the suit arranged to look kind of like the picture I absolutely love it
— daniel conrad (@danielpconrad) December 24, 2021
Abstract and all that stuff. It isn’t my cup of tea, but if it floats your boat, why not?! If Jimmie is happy with it, who are we to complain or judge?! Jimmie must have sold it or donated it!! 🤷♂️🤔😉😎🏁
— Larry Ashley (@LarryAs94874308) December 24, 2021
Jimmie Johnson has his childhood dream come true
A few days ago, Johnson announced he was going full-time in the coming IndyCar season. This means the seven-time NASCAR champion will finally have a chance to race in and win the famed Indy500.
“Last season was so incredible for me, and I made a lot of progress, so I know I can be competitive on tracks that I have experience on. I can’t wait to be part of the Indianapolis 500, it’s a childhood dream come true,” Johnson said.
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 18, 2021; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Indy driver Jimmie Johnson (48) at Barber Motorsports Park. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
In his NASCAR career that spanned almost two decades, Jimmie Johnson won loads of races and accolades.
Even now, when he’s stepping into the single-seater at the age of 46, Johnson has a chance to not only explore his own racing horizons, but add to his legacy, and of course, his firesuit collection.
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And what better addition to that collection than one from the Indy500?
Also Read: “Never Hurts to Look Cool” – Jimmie Johnson on his Stunning IndyCar Livery for the 2022 Season
