Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion was making his first career Indianapolis 500 start.
Justin CasterlineGetty ImagesJimmie Johnson’s first Indianapolis 500 ended prematurely, six laps from the scheduled finish.
Johnson was running in the 24th position, just hoping to finish the event, when he added his name to the list of several other drivers in the event who all spun, as Johnson did the same exiting Turn 2 on Lap 194, making heavy contact with the outside retaining wall.
The debris from Johnson’s car exploded all over the track and brought out a red flag race stoppage, which was very costly to race leader—and Johnson’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammate—Marcus Ericsson.
Johnson ended up with a 28th-place finish, not only his worst showing of the season, but also of his 18-race tenure thus far in the IndyCar Series.
Ericsson was literally coasting toward what appeared would likely be an easy win until his teammate wrecked, turning things entirely upside down.
For what it’s worth, not only was Johnson’s family on hand to cheer him on, so too was his former NASCAR crew chief, Chad Knaus. Together, Johnson and Knaus combined for all seven of Johnson’s Cup championships, tying him with NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
“The car turned around so fast, don’t know if I caught a gust of wind or what,” Johnson said. “I was surprised the car rotated around. It’s certainly not the way I wanted to finish the race. It was a tricky day, the circumstances and traffic were really treacherous. I learned a lot but I expected more out of myself out there.
“It was a great experience. I really enjoyed every minute of it and savored it.”
With his current contract set to expire at the end of this season, Johnson’s status with Chip Ganassi Racing for the future is uncertain.
But while there are rumors Johnson may not return to the IndyCar world next year, especially with the uncertain future of his primary sponsor (Carvana), he’s not ruling anything else out.
When asked if he’d like to return to the Indy 500, Johnson smiled and quipped, “I would love to.”
Keyword: Jimmie Johnson's Indy 500 Experience Ends With Violent Crash