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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally designed by Noah Sweet Chevrolet, poses in front of the Texas Motor Speedway gate entering victory lane, renamed in his honor prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on October 25, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to retire from full-time NASCAR racing after 2020. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally designed by Noah Sweet Chevrolet, poses in front of the Texas Motor Speedway gate entering victory lane, renamed in his honor prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on October 25, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to retire from full-time NASCAR racing after 2020. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Jimmie Johnson is considered one of the greatest drivers to have ever raced in NASCAR. Even though he has now retired from the sport and moved on to IndyCar, he is still one of the biggest names in NASCAR.
He has often given credit for his glorious career to his parents. So, who are the people behind the seven-time title winner?
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Jimmie Johnson’ family
Born in El Cajon, California, Jimmie is the child of Catherine Ellen and Gary Ernest Johnson. He was raised by his parents alongside his two siblings, Jarit and Jesse, in a small house.
His family’s financial issues did not prevent Gary Johnson from gifting Jimmie his first bicycle at four years old. Despite their struggles, his parents hustled hard so Jimmie could begin his motorsports career. While Gary used to drive a truck for B.F. Goodrich at four in the morning, his mom Cathy drove a school bus for additional cash.

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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 08: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, poses on the grid with his wife Chandra Johnson and their daughters Lydia Norriss Johnson and Genevieve Johnson prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway on November 08, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to retire from full-time NASCAR racing after 2020. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Read More: What Is NASCAR Great Jimmie Johnson’s Full Schedule for the 2021 IndyCar Series Season?
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“Jimmie wasn’t born with a silver spoon” – Gary Johnson
Johnson, like many of us, comes from a humble background and has worked hard to get where he is today. While it is difficult to imagine a person like him not being famous, he was once a regular person, just like all his fans.
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“When the cameras are on, he doesn’t always say what he’s really thinking, because that’s not the right time. But everyone should know that Jimmie wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” his father said.
To honor the contribution of his parents, Jimmie’s father was named as the grand marshal for his final race at the Texas Motor Speedway.
“I’m excited for my dad to be the grand marshal at Texas to give the command to start the engines,” Johnson said.
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“He’s been such a supporter of me in my career and I know how special and meaningful it will be for him to be there in my final start at Texas Motor Speedway.”
Jimmie Johnson’s parents have been a big part of his life and helped him to be the superstar he is today. Jimmie gives credit for his amazing career to his parents.
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