Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Indianapolis — Jimmie Johnson will attempt his version of “The Double” by becoming the first driver to join the Indianapolis 500 broadcast crew hours before competing in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.

Jimmie, who will race in the Indy 500 in 2022, worked in the NBC Sports broadcast booth in 2021, when he only competed on the road and street circuits on the IndyCar season. He added ovals to his second and final season of American open-wheel racing.

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Jimmie will join NBC’s broadcast team for the May 26 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the network said on Tuesday. This will be Jimmie’s first regular analyst opportunity with the network this year.

“To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor,” Jimmie stated. “Being a member of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 just increased my desire to make my childhood dream of competing in the Indianapolis 500 a reality. Competing in this event as a driver was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so being able to relive the pageantry is quite special.”

Jimmie will fly to Charlotte, North Carolina, following the Indy 500 to compete in NASCAR’s longest race. The Hall of Famer won the Coca-Cola 600 four times during his full-time NASCAR career. Johnson now races a limited schedule as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club.

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Johnson will also be an analyst for NBC later this season at NASCAR events in Daytona and Talladega, as well as races in which he is scheduled to compete.

“Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity,” said Sam Flood, NBC Sports’ motorsports lead producer. “We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘Double’ — history awaits.”

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Kyle Larson will be the fifth driver to attempt the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. In 2001, Tony Stewart became the only driver to finish all 1,100 miles of racing.

SOURCE – (AP)