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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 6, 2019 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 6, 2019 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Jimmie Johnson is steadily stepping closer to his IndyCar debut. Recently, the 45-year-old unveiled his new firesuit for the coming 2021 IndyCar season. The firesuit is largely blue with the Carvana logo emblazoned on it. After the reveal, several of Johnson’s contemporaries decided to troll him.
Among them were Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and Clint Bowyer. Apparently, none of them were overly fond of the color scheme and voiced their displeasure. However, the quick-witted former Hendrick Motorsports driver was able to counter them easily and get his own back.
Seriously?! You trader!! U didn’t take the boot cut to INDYCAR? Shame shame shame https://t.co/u4B3K6ehI3
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) February 26, 2021
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Just wait for us to cross the understeer/oversteer bridge. @KyleBusch @chaseelliott @ClintBowyer https://t.co/7kx1CFqoNR
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 27, 2021
Jimmie Johnson did have a few admirers
On the bright side, the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr and Simon Pagenaud complimented the driver’s overalls. However, a common complaint centered around his pants, which were too ‘baggy’.
All jokes aside, Johnson is anxiously awaiting his full-time debut in the open-wheel series. The veteran driver has joined forces with the Chip Ganassi Racing team. He has already undergone a number of pre-season tests so that he can get used to the car. Of course, it won’t be long before he is back behind the wheel, this time in a racing capacity.
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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, speaks ahead of practice at Auto Club Speedway on February 28, 2020 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
The new season kicks off on April 18, and Johnson will compete in most of the rounds. However, the only exceptions are the oval events, otherwise road course races are fair game. Admittedly, there aren’t many people who are expecting miracles from Jimmie Johnson in his debut season.
However, the team expects him to pull his own weight and keep up with his teammates. This is largely because of the high calibre of his teammates’ abilities. Sharing the same garage are defending champion Scott Dixon, ex F1 driver Marcus Ericsson and Spaniard, Alex Palou. Additionally, he will also share driving duties the #48 car with Tony Kanaan on the oval courses.
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The season is a long one and the NASCAR veteran will be keen to make an impression in a new sport. However, he will have plenty of races under his belt, not to mention a 2-year contract with the Chip Ganassi Racing team.
READ MORE: REVEALED! NASCAR Legend Jimmie Johnson’s Fire Suit for His Debut IndyCar Season
