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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, prepares to drive during qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, prepares to drive during qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on March 19, 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Earlier, news broke that Kyle Larson was eyeing a potential entry into the iconic Indianapolis 500. In all honesty, who wouldn’t want to compete in the Indy 500? There is a good reason why it is one of the three races considered the Triple Crown of Motorsport—the other two being the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Monaco Grand Prix.
However, competing in the Indy 500 is one thing, winning it is a completely different kettle of fish. Jimmie Johnson has competed twice but has never won, and even two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso could only secure a best finish of 21.
Recently, Johnson spoke about Larson’s bid for the Indy 500. Talking with co-hosts Conor Daly and Joey Mulinaro on The Dale Jr. Download, he said, “I’m excited to see him go and give it a shot. It looks like he’s got a nice long run way ahead of himself to get prepared. It’s really about maximizing the days on track before you go racing. That’s something I would do differently.
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“Maybe I was a bit focused on popping off a lap time and where I was on the pylon at the end of the sessions. Now, having a race under my belt in the 500, I know the environment I would want to go live in in all those race practice sessions.”
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What next for Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Larson?
Johnson competed in the Cup season opener at Daytona. Admittedly, he did not win the race, but he was fairly competitive. The best part is that this will not be the last we see of Johnson in 2023. He will be back for a few more races. This year, the 7-time Cup Series champion is racing for Legacy Motor Club, which is a revamped and rebranded version of Petty GMS Racing.
As for Kyle Larson, he is competing on a full-time basis for Hendrick Motorsports. Sadly, his campaign did not get off to a good start, and he was classified 18th and 29th at the Daytona 500 and the Auto Club Speedway, respectively. This weekend, he will be seeking redemption at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Kyle Larson (#5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet) looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Obviously, the road to victory will not be easy, but he will certainly try his hardest. Furthermore, with Chase Elliott sitting out of the race due to injury, HMS will be hoping that Larson comes good in the upcoming race.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Here’s Why Jimmie Johnson & Richard Petty Decided to Rename Petty GMS to Legacy Motor Club
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