NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson’s Family Tragedy That Derailed His 2023 Season. What Happened Last Year?

In 2023, Jimmie Johnson made a grand return to the NASCAR Cup Series after stepping away post-2020. He is currently a part-owner of Legacy Motor Club, alongside Richard Petty. Aside from that, he was also a part-time driver for the same outfit. Unfortunately, his season was abruptly cut short, owing to personal problems in his life, that took precedence.

As it happened, his in-laws and nephew died in an apparent murder-suicide. Around the time, he was gearing up to compete in the inaugural NASCAR Cup race at the Chicago Street Course. Naturally, when the news broke, Johnson chose to withdraw from the race and be with his family in this difficult time. Since then, he has not stepped in the #84 car all year, and likely needed to recuperate.

Jimmie Johnson spoke about support in the darkest period of personal life

In a recent conversation with NBC Today, he opened up on how the tragedy affected him. The incumbent NASCAR Hall of Famer of 2024 said, “First and foremost, thank you for the support. Friends, family, fans far and wide have been extremely supportive. That’s helped us through this incredibly difficult time. We’re managing the best we can, it’s really all you can do. Thank you for the support and the continued support.”

There was a time when one would have thought that Johnson was ending his NASCAR career. Logically speaking, this tragic incident could have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. However, the seven-time Cup Series champion has since confirmed that he will be back in the car in 2024. The best part is that the first race he will participate in is the Daytona 500. Of course, there will be other races where he also participates, but a full-time season is out of the equation.

READ MORE: Jimmie Johnson Confirms 2024 Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 & Phoenix Finale Appearance with Carvana

Legacy Motor Club needs a strong 2024 NASCAR Cup season

In the races that Johnson did participate in, he could only muster a best finish of 31st out of three starts. Overall, the team formed in 2021 struggled, so 2024 could be a year for redemption. Kick-starting the rebuilding process is a new alliance with Toyota, joining the likes of Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing. This was after Legacy Motor Club felt that they got the short end of the stick with their Chevrolet partnership.

For the upcoming season, Johnson and regular driver Erik Jones, will be joined by a new face. John Hunter Nemechek will compete in the #42 car on a full-time basis, replacing Noah Gragson, who moved to Stewart-Haas Racing. Nemechek is familiar with Legacy Motor Club, having run one race for them last year at Homestead-Miami. With Toyota on their side, Legacy Motor Club is hoping for better fortunes.

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