“Need to Not Drive a Stock Car for a While” – Jimmie Johnson Reveals Why He is Not Keen on the Busch Clash

Jimmie Johnson is back at the Daytona International Speedway. The NASCAR legend recently announced his plans to run the Rolex 24 Race at Daytona as part of a star-studded line-up and is at the venue these days as he tests his new car for the marquee race. At the same time, Johnson is also devoting all his focus towards his IndyCar debut.

Meanwhile, the seven-time NASCAR champion is also one of the eligible drivers to run NASCAR’s annual Busch Clash in February. The Busch Clash is set to take place at the Daytona International Speedway’s Road Course.

In a usual scenario, Johnson would be all ready to run the exhibition race before the season starts. However, the situation is a lot different for him this year and he is no longer a NASCAR driver. The 45-year-old revealed recently that he still has not received any calls about participating in the Busch Clash.

“I haven’t had a stock car phone call yet. I’ve had some other ones, but not a stock car one,” Johnson said on the sidelines of his Rolex 24 test.

Jimmie Johnson explains why he wants to stay away from stock cars for now

At the same time, he feels it would not be the right move for him to participate in the event and run in a stock car. This would divert his attention away from getting used to driving an Indy Car and the downforce factor that comes with it. Johnson, justifiably, does not want that to happen.

“I don’t think so right now. Feel like…I need to not drive a stock car for a while to really reprogram my senses and my brain to drive downforce. It’s just a totally different way to get through the center of the corner,” Johnson expressed.

While he is already in the IndyCar zone, Johnson feels he needs to continue to focus on that. It is a totally different experience for him and he is focused on the bigger picture.

“It’s really a great tool for me to learn how to use downforce. How quickly things come at you in a car with downforce. So right now I really need to stay focused on developing the right habits for an IndyCar,” Johnson said further.

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Johnson is well aware of the “big spotlight” on him

Johnson is aware of the attention that will be on him as he tries his hand at another major form of motorsport. He wants to perform at his very best and thus needs to focus solely on the Indy car and stay away from stock cars.

“The season is going to be here before I know it. Of course, there’s going to be a big spotlight on me and how I’m going to perform in the car, with the testing being so little. I got a lot I need to do so I can be on pace,” Johnson added.

NASCAR fans will certainly miss the legend if he eventually does not run the Busch Clash. However, his IndyCar debut will also keep the fans very interested as he starts another chapter of his career.

READ MORE – Tony Stewart Reveals a Funny Story about Helping Jimmie Johnson after He Was Stuck n an Elevator