When Dale Earnhardt Jr left the NASCAR Cup race tracks in 2017, a microphone awaited him instead of his usual fire suit. The two-time Daytona 500 winner continued his love for racing in the broadcasting booths. Now another veteran Cup driver is making his way toward a Dale Jr-like career change. Jimmie Johnson left a glittering career of 83 Cup wins some time ago.

He plans to translate his invaluable experience into broadcasting. Dale Jr recently announced his movement into Amazon Prime’s broadcast 2025 ventures. Johnson is now likely to take over in his place at NBC Sports.

Jimmie Johnson is gearing up to enthrall fans with his voice

As per a recent update, seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson is set to join NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage for four races in 2024. Significantly, he will contribute to the coverage and analysis of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26th. On the same day, he will fly to Charlotte to run in the Coca-Cola 600, giving new meaning to ‘The Double’.

Sam Flood, lead producer for NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage, seemed enthusiastic about Johnson’s entry. “Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity. We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘double’ – history awaits.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr also covered the iconic Indianapolis 500 race under NBC Sports’ umbrella among a multitude of other contributions for six years. Early this year, Dale Jr confirmed his exit from NBC, holding new plans with NASCAR’s new media partners next year. Hence Jimmie Johnson’s news fit in well with this turn of events.

Previously, Johnson contributed to studio coverage at the 2021 iteration of the event. In 2022, he tried his hands at open-wheel racing, being named the 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. Johnson waxed ecstatic about the news. “To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor. I was part of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 and it just fueled the fire I needed to make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 one day a reality.”

The NASCAR community is also thrilled to hear Jimmie Johnson lend his voice to analyzing the motorsport.

NASCAR fans rejoice in Johnson’s novel pursuit

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This resounding announcement also sent NASCAR fans rolling with joy. Especially because Jimmie Johnson is one of the most successful drivers in the sport, being tied with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for most championships. One fan summed up their emotions, stating: “SO excited about this 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 the GOAT”. Another fan chimed in, proclaiming the news as a refreshing start to their day: “well this is a good way to start my morning”.

Even Indianapolis Motor Speedway commented on Johnson’s X post: “May just keeps getting better! 👏”  Jimmie Johnson redefined ‘The Double’, as he will broadcast one race and run in the other. So one fan could not believe his eyes: “WHOA I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS”.

Appearing for both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 can be quite draining as well. Tony Stewart’s first 1999 attempt was a story of dehydration and exhaustion. So one fan expressed their concerns: “Glad to hear this, kinda surprised you waited this long to try it.”

Hence Jimmie Johnson’s arrival in NBC Sport’s booth is exciting for the NASCAR community. We cannot wait to hear the NASCAR Hall of Famer charm us with his voice!