“Reminded Him I’ve Been There” – How Jimmie Johnson Motivated Chase Elliott to Overcome Pre-Race Penalty and Win the Title

Chase Elliott was in a serious spot of bother as he was sent to the rear before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series championship race. As the race began, those watching were left in awe of how Elliott managed to turn around the situation in no time.

While the motivation of winning the title was big on him, a crucial push from Jimmie Johnson helped Elliott greatly.

Back in 2016, Johnson managed to win the championship 4 race from the rear. The retiring NASCAR legend revealed after Sunday’s race that he used his experience to motivate Elliott.

“That’s what went through my mind today when I heard they were going to the back. I sent Alan and Chase a text and reminded them that I won a championship that way,” Johnson said in his post-race interaction.

What Jimmie Johnson told Chase Elliott on the track

Johnson did not stop there. He made sure he added a personal touch as well. The seven-time champion caught up with Elliott before the driver introduction ceremony and further motivated him.

When Johnson won after starting from the rear, he realized he was actually a lot less nervous during the race. He knew exactly what he needed to and reminded his teammate the same thing.

“I reminded him, I’ve been there. Of the championships I’ve won coming from the back, I had less nervous energy in my body when I took the green flag and it was very easy what I needed to do,” Johnson said.

“I shared that with him, and he smiled and he said, I hope that’s how it goes today. And it did,” he added.

“Plenty good on his own”

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Johnson refused to accept that he passed the torch to the next generation, led by Elliott. He believes the 24-year-old star driver is more than capable of carving his own path and does not need Johnson.

“We didn’t think of it as a passing of the torch, but I tried to share some of my experience with him before the race. He doesn’t need my help. He’s plenty good on his own. I’m glad it worked out for him,” the 45-year-old expressed.

Elliott was in the top-10 even before the competition caution at Lap 30. Soon, he was fighting for the top spot and hardly ever let go of it once he earned the lead. Elliott ran the most inspired race of his career, and his win was eventually a dominant one.

Johnson and Elliott also shared a warm embrace after the race on the track, and Johnson was all praise for his teammate.

ALSO READ – “So Happy For That Guy” – Jimmie Johnson Reveals the Biggest Takeaway from his Final NASCAR Race