“Rick (Hendrick) Is Not Gonna Want to Do That” – Dale Earnhardt Jr Recalls Jimmie Johnson Anecdote as He Defends the Seven-Timer From Concerns “About His Legacy”

When Jimmie Johnson announced his comeback to NASCAR in a part-owner, part-driver role, there were many that wondered if that move could potentially hurt his legacy. After all, nobody would want to see a seven-timer get beaten on track by a rookie or someone with less prestige, which is a big possibility. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is of a different opinion.

The Hall of Famer recently revealed an anecdote about Johnson from the time he himself was considering retirement and shed some light on the mindset of the seven-timer and what drives him.

Junior recalled, “When I was looking at retirement and considering retirement and what that might look like, me and Jimmie had conversations and he’s like, ‘Man you know what would be great? It’s if we split a season. I don’t want to quit entirely, but man, wouldn’t it be cool if we just had a couple of races that we ran and we split a car?'”

“I’m like, ‘That sounds awesome, but it’s not realistic. Nobody’s gonna want, Rick (Hendrick) is not gonna want to do that. But I say that in his mind he never really wanted to stop,” he continued.

“In his mind, he just wanted to do this.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr feels Jimmie Johnson only wants to race

Dale Jr. also described why Jimmie Johnson has been making eyebrow-raising decisions since his first NASCAR retirement, but also why those decisions are ones which aren’t only justified, but one’s people should leave Johnson alone with.

Watch this Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr Set to Make His Annual Return to the Xfinity Series at Bristol

“In his mind, he still loves to drive and wants to race,” Earnhardt Jr. said of Johnson. “He went to INDYCAR because of the challenge but also because of the limited schedule.”

“Now he’s getting that at the Cup level, go get it.”

Dale Jr. has no expectations from Johnson as he presses, nothing can taint his legacy

Trending

Brad Keselowski’s Trump Card Move Could Be a Career-Altering Transfer for Tony Stewart’s Underwhelming Driver

Michael Jordan’s Opponent’s Warning Comes True as Roger Penske Shuts Down NASCAR’s Infiltration

Billionaire Michael Jordan Could Be Forced to Face Substantial Personal Loss in Bid to Topple NASCAR, Warns Insider

Tony Stewart & Co’s Desperate Bargain Offer to $19.2 Billion Partner Amid NASCAR Exit Leaves Fans Baffled

Ex-SHR Employee Spills Harsh Truth About Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Ownership After Rare Appearance in Phoenix

As for those who are concerned about Johnson’s performance in the 2023 season, Dale Jr. separated himself from that crowd. In fact, the JRM co-owner claimed that there’s nothing that can happen in the coming season which would change his opinion of the seven-timer.

“I don’t have an expectation of where he should or could finish. I don’t think it’s gonna change anything about the way I feel about his legacy if he goes out there and doesn’t have a good time or good runs,” Jr. said. “No way in hell all those championships in a row, I mean, nobody’s gonna do that again”

“Nothing can change the way I feel about Jimmie and his legacy because of how dominant he was in that five-year stretch.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is certainly firm in his opinion about Jimmie Johnson, and interestingly had once looked at Jimmie Johnson when deciding to use a smaller steering wheel. What are your thoughts on Johnson?

Also Read: “Parkinson’s Disease Is a Son of a B***h!” – NASCAR Fans Show Concern as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Spotify Guest Sterling Marlin Looks Worn Out