Who knew a meeting in 1993 would change the trajectory of Jimmie Johnson’s motorsports career, that less than three decades later, he’d be a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion?

Riding motorcycles until he was 8, Johnson moved up to the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Stadium Series, where his mentor, Rick Johnson, arranged a meeting with Herb Fishel. After all, that 1993 meeting with the now-former executive director of General Motors Racing was what led Jimmie Johnson to someone he quickly realized was “a parent of some sort” to him.

Herb Fishel introduced Alan Miller – who was his lawyer at the time – to Jimmie Johnson, asking him to guide the teenager. As reported by Sports Illustrated, Miller recalled, “Herb introduced me to Jimmie at an off-road truck race, and within a year or two, Jimmie had become like a son to me… He’d met the Herzog Brothers in off-road, [so] I went to Milwaukee, negotiated, and bought an ASA [stock car] team for them.” But what’s so significant moment about that moment, you’d think?

That was Jimmie’s ticket into ASA, which led to the Nationwide (now Xfinity) Series and, subsequently, the Cup Series. But did you know Miller also played a role in Johnson’s comeback in 2023?

Having negotiated all of Johnson’s contracts for over 30 years, Alan Miller was the brains behind the conversion of Petty GMS Racing to Legacy Motor Club. Throughout his time in the Cup Series, Johnson drove for Hendrick Motorsports. But when he wanted to return last year, the winningest team wasn’t an option, considering NASCAR allows an organization to have a maximum of just four cars.

After “casual conversations” with Trackhouse Racing that didn’t materialize into anything, a mutual connection between Miller and Johnson emerged in Petty GMS. Who was it?

Let’s go back to Johnson’s meeting with Fishel. A couple of years after he signed Jimmie to a GM contract, they came across the Herzog brothers, who wanted to get into pavement racing. That’s where Alan Miller came in.

Eric Jones. It turns out that Miller represented both Johnson and Jones. “When this opportunity came along, it really came through the offices of Alan Miller,” Johnson said, as reported by The Athletic. Explaining that Michael Bill had been handling things in Miller’s office, the 49-year-old added, “As Michael learned about my desires to continue to drive and to try to find a different way to be involved in the sport, he said, ‘I feel like there’s an opportunity here that really makes sense on both sides.’ That was the catalyst and start of it.”

And on October 20, 2024, Johnson had to say goodbye to him one final time.

“Alan became an advisor, friend, and mentor over 30 years ago… he truly looked after me as if I was one of his own,” Jimmie Johnson wrote about Alan Miller after his passing. Aged 87, he died of natural causes, but not without leaving a lasting impression on the seven-time Cup Series champion.

Now, Legacy Motors Club has been racing in the Cup Series for two seasons, with Erik Jones (No. 43) and John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42) running full-time and Jimmie Johnson (No. 84) running select races. Had it not been for Alan Miller, it may not have existed. That said, the professional football player-turned-lawyer wasn’t a stranger to the NASCAR garage besides his connection to Jimmie Johnson.

Miller’s sphere of influence was spread across the sport, with his law firm representing the likes of Erik Jones, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Casey Mears, David Gilliland, Danica Patrick, and Helio Castroneves. But even before he delved into the NASCAR scene, he was affiliated with the sporting world.

Miller started his career playing college football, and he made it to the senior level. Pursuing law and professional football wasn’t something he could focus on at the same time, so he put a pause on his passion for football. However, he did return to his favored playing ground as a General Counsel to the AFL Player’s Association from 1965 to 1970.

Alan had a successful amateur racing career; he raced in the Central Division, SCCA CSR, and won the championship. And his fondness for auto racing would open the doors for him to get connected to the NASCAR world. His work ethic and relationships extended beyond his professional expertise. This was evident from the response of the drivers he worked with, along with the fans who poured in with the condolence messages.

The NASCAR world reacts to Alan Miller’s death

Legacy Motor Club driver Erik Jones has been under the guidance of Miller from his early days of racing until his move to the big league. Therefore, upon his passing, he acknowledged the impact Miller had on his journey. “My racing career has led me to meet some really incredible people, and Alan Miller is high on that list. He was a great guy, a phenomenal mentor, but most of all, an amazing friend.

“I’ll never forget all that he’s done to help get me to where I am today. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest easy, friend,” Jones added. Not all heroes wear capes is the phrase that perfectly fits Alan Miller. He was the one who worked behind the scenes and helped not only drivers but also NASCAR as a sport.

His contribution to the Hall of Fame was highlighted by this race fan. “Alan Miller was one of those behind-the-scenes people in racing who have great influence but also great impact. Not only represented a lot of drivers but also helped the @MotorsportsHOF for many years. “Condolences to his family and friends.”

While Miller might not be among the most popular personalities in NASCAR, his profound impact on the sport garnered him the love and support of the fans. This was evident from the responses to his passing in the comments section. “Rest in Peace, Alan 💔,” a user on X wrote. Meanwhile, another fan tipped his hat towards his work and contributions to NASCAR, stating, “Memory Eternal ✨❤️✨”

EssentiallySports offers condolences and prayers for Miller’s family and friends during these testing times.