Robbed by Family Tragedy Last Season, Jimmie Johnson Sheds Light on Missing NASCAR’s Second Chicago Rodeo

With the 2024 season around the corner and its grand opening at L.A. Coliseum just days away, NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson has revealed his Cup Series schedule, mentioning the 10-race window that will fit the NASCAR team owner perfectly. Especially after he parts with his longtime manufacturer, Chevy, and moves on to the Toyota side of things, 2024 will certainly be a massive year for the team. The Hall of Famer has also confirmed that he will probably miss Chicago as he will be with his family, traveling, and being in close company after the tragic loss of a family member later last year.

Classic Car Racing on Johnson’s to-do list

Even though he is far off from his prime years, only donning the part-time role and appearing in races just for the thrill and excitement of it, Jimmie Johnson is one of those drivers who brings the eyeballs back to NASCAR. The 48-year-old just made it into NASCAR’s Hall of Glory, being inducted into its Hall of Fame along with his legendary crew chief, Chad Knaus, with whom he won five back-to-back championships.

Speaking to Fox’s popular reporter and NASCAR enthusiast, Bob Pockrass, Jimmie Johnson spoke his mind about his 2024 adventures. He said, “I, in my mind, have had this kind of 10-race window that I am open to and I think fits well with my business adventures, my family adventures, and the fulfillment that I still chase driving race cars. So, I was very excited to expand to the nine races.” 

“There’s still this room for another or some other stuff that I want to do. I’d like to do some classic car racing and some sports car racing if the opportunity came about. But it just really came together in a nice way. And I’m really excited about my schedule,” said the driver, revealing his excitement as he partnered up with Toyota for the very first time, leaving the Chevy camp. 

WATCH THIS STORY: What is the story behind Rick Hendrick and Jimmie Johnson’s “cookie and milk” history? 

When asked, “What are some of the ideas for #10? Chicago?” Johnson revealed his Chicago plans, saying, “Yeah, sure. Chicago was certainly on the list, but trying to manage personal business and racing. I hope to be traveling with my family in July, and we wanted to leave that window a time open.”

Jimmie Johnson is all ready for the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, leaving out the All-Star race

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Just after he cleared the air around his Chicago appearance, Bob Pockrass was quick enough to ask him about his plans for North Wilkesboro—the All-Star, to be precise. He inquired, “How about the All-Star race in North Wilkesboro?” To which the veteran relayed the disappointing news, saying, “I’ve considered it. It unfortunately hasn’t come through our orbit in a sense relative to partners, but that’s one of the few tracks on the schedule I guess probably. Yeah, one of the few tracks on the schedule I have not driven on.” 

As per sponsor confirmation, the NASCAR great is stated to run the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 at Indy Oval, and the season finale at Phoenix at the end of the year, showing off his Carvana’s colors on his new Toyota Camry XSE. Carvana has been along Johnson’s side since 2021, and it’ll unveil its special Daytona livery in the coming months.

Dollar Tree/Family Dollar also announced that it will sponsor Johnson in races this season at Dover on April 28, Kansas Speedway on Sept. 29, and Las Vegas on Oct. 20. With the driver already announcing his plans to compete in Texas on April 14, Kansas on May 5, and the Coke 600 at Charlotte on May 26 which will be backed by AdventHealth, his nine out of the possible 10 race schedule is more or less set and confirmed.

READ MORE: Newly Inducted Hall Of Famers Jimmie Johnson And Chad Knaus Unravels The Truth Behind Infamous ‘Milk And Cookies’ Mystery