Jimmie Johnson News
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Knaus named WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race at Fontana: Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 KOBALT Tools/Lowe's Chevrolet driven by reigning champion, Jimmie Johnson, has been named the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race following Sunday's Auto Club 500 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. After a disappointing finish in Daytona last week, Knaus and his team were determined to come back from the west coast with a win, and they did just that with the driver/crew chief tandem scoring the 48th win of their career. he right move came just seconds before the 6th caution of the day. The Knaus-led team was running in the top 16 on lap 172 and Knaus called his driver to pit road for service of four tires and fuel. Johnson was on pit road when Brad Keslowski came into contact with David Reutimann bringing out the final caution of the race. When the rest of the lead-lap cars pitted under the yellow, Johnson inherited the lead and restarted on Lap 231, holding off Kevin Harvick during a 20-lap green-flag run, eventually finishing first. "Chad made a great call to come in there at the end," Johnson said. "We hit pit road, and the caution came out and gave us track position." "What a great comeback after their problems in Daytona," said WYPALL Wipers crew chief representative, Jeff Hammond. "Chad made a strong statement by showing that they may get down but they're never out. As the defending champion, things should only get better for Chad, Jimmie and this entire team." WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief Results Todd Berrier, Jeff Burton and the No. 31 CAT team led the 43-car field for 46 laps, the most laps led of the day. However, Johnson took over the lead position following the 6th caution. Johnson stayed on the racing surface while Burton led the field down pit road. Time eventually ran out for Burton finishing a respectable third place. (PR)
Monday, February 15, 2010
NASCAR legend Junior Johnson would take Stewart over Johnson: Junior Johnson said that, if he still owned a NASCAR team, Tony Stewart would be his first choice as driver. “Jimmie Johnson’s a great, great race-car driver,” said Johnson, himself a legendary driver, “but he’s got a mechanic (Chad Knaus) who’s one of the very best I’ve ever seen. “I believe if I was hiring a driver, I’d go after Tony.” (Gaston Gazette)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Third episode of 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona: HBO Sports' all-access show 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona continues with its third episode, debuting Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 10:00-10:30pm/et/pt. The four-week series spotlights one of racing's biggest stars, reigning four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, and gives viewers an inside look at the driver and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team as they prepare for the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of auto racing. The intensity builds for the 48 team as they head to Florida to prepare for the all-important Daytona 500 time trials. The series finale of 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona debuts Tuesday, Feb. 16 (10:00-10:30pm/et/pt), two days after the race, with cameras tracking all the drama and excitement surrounding Johnson and his team on race day. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and be available on HBO On Demand.More info, schedules and previews at HBO.com.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Johnson honored by NC House: The North Carolina House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a Patrick McHenry-sponsored resolution honoring NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson. Johnson was the first NASCAR driver to win four consecutive Sprint Cup Championships. Republican Patrick McHenry has represented North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District of North Carolina since 2005. The district covers Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln and Mitchell counties, along with parts of Gaston, Iredell and Rutherford. James Finch II.(Charlotte Observer)
Johnson sells NYC loft for $4 million: Jimmie Johnson has just sold his 3,200-square-foot loft in Chelsea [New York City] for $4 million. Johnson paid $3.975 million for the three-bedroom three-and-a-half bath condo in 2007. He put it on the market last March for $4.395 million, eventually cutting the price to $4.25 million. He and his wife, Chandra, a former model, used the apartment as a pied-à-terre 9a temporary or second lodging); their primary home is in Charlotte, NC. The couple are expecting their first child in July. The listing agent, Lisa Rose of Halstead Property, declined to comment. He is not forsaking New York City. He recently closed on another three-bedroom three-and-a-half bath condo, this one for $8.33 million, at Superior Ink, a new complex with a 61-unit building and seven town houses at West 12th and West Streets in the West Village.(New York Yimes)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Jimmie Johnson named Preseason Favorite in NASCAR media poll: It only took an unprecedented fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, but the media finally thinks Jimmie Johnson will defend his crown, according to a preseason media poll. Incredibly, this isn't a typical outcome. Only once in the previous five preseason polls has Johnson been tapped as the favorite in 2005, the last season he didn't win the championship. In 2006 and 2008, the media picked Jeff Gordon to win it all, in 2007 it picked Tony Stewart, and last year, the press picked Carl Edwards. Rounding out the top 12: Gordon in second, Stewart in third, Kyle Busch in fourth, Edwards in fifth, Denny Hamlin in sixth, Mark Martin in seventh, Kurt Busch in eighth, Juan Pablo Montoya in ninth, Matt Kenseth in 10th, Greg Biffle in 11th and Ryan Newman in 12th. Drivers who made the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but were left out of the 2010 preseason media top 12 poll are Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers. Kahne ranked 14th; Vickers 20th. Predictors think Dale Earnhardt Jr. will again miss the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but barely. He ranked 13th in the poll. In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year poll, the media thinks Kevin Conway will take home the trophy over Terry Cook. In the NASCAR Nationwide Series poll the Media Predicts Title to Edwards, Rookie Award to Colin Braun and in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ron Hornaday is picked to win 5th Championship.(NASCAR)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Johnson wrecks in Rolex 24 practice: Defending, four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson crashed and suffered some bruising Thursday in opening practice for this weekend’s Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway. Johnson crashed in the left-hand kink area of Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course driving the #99 Bob Stallings Chevy Riley Daytona Prototype. "A GT car was very wide to the left and JJ assumed the GT saw him and was making way for the faster car," team owner Bob Stallings said. "As it turns out, the GT probably did not see JJ and closed off on him. "Jimmie had to lift and get on the brake and as soon as he pointed the nose of the car down, the car turned on him and he backed it into the wall pretty hard. All the damage is on the back end of the car." Stallings said Johnson was traveling an estimated 185 mph when he tried to avoid colliding with the slower GT sedan. Johnson’s car spun around and crashed backwards into an infield wall which "twisted the rear end chassis." The #99 entry has been withdrawn from the race. Stallings has sent for the team’s backup Daytona Prototype in Dallas. The other car should be at the Speedway by Friday. Team spokesman Adam Saal said Johnson "was reportedly OK, a little bit bruised, but he’ll be fine." Saal said Johnson was taken to the Speedway infield care center, evaluated, treated and released.(Daytona Beach News-Journal)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jimmie Johnson 24/7 debuts on HBO: HBO Sports' groundbreaking "24/7" reality franchise presents its first non-boxing series with the all-access show 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona. Debuting Tuesday, January 26 (10:00-10:30pm/ et/pt), the four-week series spotlights one of racing's biggest stars, reigning four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, and gives viewers an inside look at the driver and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team as they prepare for the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl of auto racing. Johnson (who was named 2009's Male Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press) and his accomplished NASCAR racing team begin preparations for the Super Bowl of auto racing: the 2010 Daytona 500, set for Feb. 14 in Daytona Beach. Other episodes of 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona debut on subsequent Tuesdays Feb. 2, 9 and 16 in prime time at 10:00 pm (ET/PT). The Feb. 16 series finale debuts two days after the race, with cameras tracking all the drama and excitement surrounding Johnson and his team on race day. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand. The executive producers of 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Scott Boggins; writer, Peter Nelson. Liev Schreiber narrates. (HBO)
Johnson struggles to deal with HBO reality show cameras: As a four-time NASCAR champion, Jimmie Johnson should be used to cameras being around all the time. Turns out he’s not. He learned that early on during production of HBO’s new series “2-4/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona,” which premieres Tuesday night at 10. “I’m used to walking into an environment with cameras already there,” Johnson told the Daily News. “I’m not used to the camera environment following me. Granted, it’s not a reality show trying to show different aspects of my life not related to motorsports.” Production on the show started two weeks ago as Johnson began preparations for the Feb. 14 Daytona 500, stock-car racing’s season-opening event at the Daytona International Speedway.(NY Daily News)
Johnson wants an ice cream flavor named after himself: When Jimmie Johnson signed with the Creative Artists Agency in 2008, he was told to list things he wanted to accomplish off the track (on it, he’s won a record four straight Nascar titles). First, he named a television show—an HBO reality series starts Tuesday. Next on his list? An ice-cream flavor. “Who doesn’t want their own dessert?” Mr. Johnson says. (Wall Street Journal)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Knaus' contract runs through 2010; no extension signed: Jimmie Johnson re-upped with Hendrick Motorsports last year. Crew chief Chad Knaus, an equally important part of the team that has won four straight Cup championships, hasn't extended his current contract beyond 2010. Knaus, however, is convinced his deal will get done in due time. "The contract deal will get done at some point," Knaus said. "I'm signed up through the end of 2010, and it's not on the forefront of my mind right now. What's important to me right now is just getting the cars built, getting to Daytona and getting the season back in place. Once the contract negotiations start, then we'll worry about that." Johnson and Knaus are viewed as an inseparable combination, but Knaus said he could envision working with another driver -- just not any time soon.(FOXSports.com)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Johnson doesn't think parenthood will stop championship streak: Some critics wonder if that child can do what no driver’s done for four years - stop Jimmie Johnson from winning the championship. He knows he’s in for a significant life change but doubts it will adversely impact him in the car. “Only time will tell,” he said. “I think in some lives… it can slow things down. For myself, I really don’t think so. I remember when I was getting married and there was a big comparison of drivers before marriage and after and clearly after being married, things have went along better for me. “There’s no telling what type of experience being a parent is going to be, I know I have (wife) Channi’s full support to chase my career and what I need to do.” (Virginian-Pilot)
Monday, January 18, 2010
NMPA names Johnson driver of the year: Jimmie Johnson was named the National Motorsports Press Association Richard Petty Driver of the Year on Sunday night at the NMPA annual convention.(ESPN.com)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Jimmie & Chandra expecting first child: Four-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to become a first-time dad. Johnson and his wife, Chandra, are expecting their first child in July, a spokeswoman for the driver confirmed on Monday. The Associated Press honored Johnson, 33, as 2009’s top male athlete after he locked up a fourth consecutive Cup title last season. He and the former Chandra Janway were married in December 2004. NASCAR fans will have the chance to follow the Johnsons up-close during Speedweeks in February through HBO’s “24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona.” (ThatsRacin)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Johnson named Male Athlete of the Year by Associated Press: Jimmie Johnson, the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive titles, earned mainstream recognition Monday when he was honored as the Male Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press. Johnson received 42 votes from editors at U.S. newspapers which are members of the AP. Tennis star Roger Federer (30 votes) and Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt (29) were the only other athletes with totals in the double- digits. Although Tiger Woods was named Athlete of the Decade, the golfer received only nine votes for Athlete of the Year. He was tied with NBA star Kobe Bryant and slugger Albert Pujols in fourth place. Woods, who was ranked No. 1 in his sport but failed to win one of golf's majors this season, was never a top contender — even before the sex scandal that unraveled his personal life following a Nov. 27 traffic accident. (AP)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Johnson named Driver of the Year: Jimmie Johnson was elected by an elite panel of broadcasters and journalists the 2009 Driver of the Year. Johnson becomes only the fourth three-time Driver of the Year winner, following other racing greats Mario Andretti, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon. Gordon is the only four-time Driver of the Year, America's original race driver's award. Johnson rewrote NASCAR records as he won his fourth- straight Sprint Cup championship, the first driver to do so. Johnson the Driver of the Year in 2006 and 2007 also won the fourth quarter 2009 Driver of the Year award. In spite of all the trophies and honors, especially around the busy NASCAR Champion's week, Johnson was a bit surprised when he was informed of the panel's decision - "fantastic, cool," he said adding "it will take some time to sink in." "It's an amazing accomplishment, I'm proud to be considered," he added. When advised of the members of the panel and that top drivers from all US series are eligible for the award, Johnson noted "when you look at the all the people being considered it's not a popularity contest." Professionals, who voted in a secret ballot for a single driver, gave Johnson 13 votes, Kyle Busch received two votes, and Mark Martin received one vote. In its' 43rd year, the Driver of the Year title is unique because it is the original award of its' type that encompasses all of the racing series in the United States. A panel of 20 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. are eligible to vote via a secret ballot. Four votes were not tabulated this year. Johnson will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch which will be presented at a place and time to be announced later.(Driver of the Year Foundation)
Jimmie Johnson named a finalist for Andretti Trophy: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, NHRA Top Fuel king Tony Schumacher and World Superbike phenom Ben Spies each made history in 2009 and these ultra-talented racers are among 15 finalists for the 2009 SPEED Performer of the Year and the Mario Andretti Trophy as part of the 4th Annual SPEED Performance Awards. Johnson, a three-time winner of the Andretti Trophy, scored his fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title, a feat unmatched in the history of the sport. Schumacher, a runner-up for the Andretti Trophy in 2008, lost longtime crew chief Alan Johnson and most of his crew when Johnson formed his own team with Sheik Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar at the end of last season, yet won his unprecedented sixth consecutive Top Fuel championship and seventh overall. Spies, a rookie on the World Superbike circuit in 2009 and a SPEED Performance Awards nominee for Rookie of the Year, needed no time at all to adjust to his new surroundings, dominating the series with 14 race wins in 28 starts and a record-breaking 11 pole positions. In a single season of racing, Spies already is tied for 12th on the all-time World Superbike career wins list. Other finalists for the 2009 SPEED Performer of the Year are Jenson Button (Formula One), Joey Saldana (WoO), Dario Franchitti (IndyCar), Scott Dixon (IndyCar), Kyle Busch (NASCAR), Valentino Rossi (MotoGP), David Brabham (ALMS), 2007 SPEED Performer of the Year runner-up Donny Schatz (WoO), James Stewart (Supercross), Mark Martin (NASCAR), Alex Gurney/Jon Fogarty (Grand-Am) and Sebastian Vettel (Formula One). The 2009 SPEED Performer of the Year will be selected by a panel including Andretti, "Wind Tunnel" host Dave Despain, veteran broadcasters Bob Varsha and Ralph Sheheen, SPEEDtv.com writers Robin Miller and Tom Jensen, versatile racers Tommy Kendall and Dorsey Schroeder and a select group of SPEED motor sports producers. The winner receives the Mario Andretti Trophy, created by bronze artist Elie Hazak. Nine additional “fan chosen” SPEED Performance Awards are open for voting at www.speedperformanceawards.com through Dec. 20, with winners being announced as part of a one-hour television special in February.(SPEED)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus honored by Sporting News: Jimmie Johnson, the first driver in Sprint Cup Series history to win four consecutive championships, is the Sporting News driver of the year, the magazine announced today. Chad Knaus, Johnson's crew chief since Johnson became a full-time Cup driver in 2002, was voted the top crew chief. The voting was done by Sprint Cup drivers, crew chiefs and owners. Besides the four championships, Johnson and Knaus have combined for 47 Cup wins in 291 starts, a 16.2 winning percentage that ranks Johnson sixth all time.(Sporting News)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Johnson named 4 Quarter Driver of the Year: Jimmie Johnson was voted fourth quarter Driver of the Year 2009 by a panel of broadcasters and journalists. Johnson, the Driver of the Year in 2006 and 2007, wrapped up his fourth- straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship then took 12 out of the 16 first-place votes and was the only driver on all ballots. He earned 130 points. Kyle Busch, his on-track rival, was second with 53 points. NHRA's Robert Hight was third with 49-points. Kyle Busch, who wrapped up his first championship, in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, in addition to his full-time driving duties in the Sprint Cup series, also scored wins in Camping World Series and received one first-place vote. NHRA's Robert Hight who scored a Funny Car Championship for owner, John Force, (Driver of the Year in 1996) had two first-place votes. Dario Franchitti who won his second IndyCar title finished fourth in the voting with 41 points. Top Fuel's Tony Schumacher, last year's Driver of the Year was fifth. A total of 14 drivers scored points in the fourth quarter voting. In its' 42nd year, the Driver of the Year title is unique and the oldest award of its' type. A panel of 20 leading journalists from across the U.S. determines the winner. In quarterly voting, points are awarded on a declining 9, 6, 4,3,2,1 basis. Johnson will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch to be presented at a later date. A secret ballot to name the Driver of the Year 2009 will be conducted this week and results will announced.(DOTY)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Jimmie Johnson to run the Rolex 24hr at Daytona: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will kick off his 2010 racing season at Daytona International Speedway in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31, the prestigious twice-around-the-clock challenge and the ultimate test of driver and machine. For the third straight year, Johnson will co-drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing entry - the 2009 Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champions - with the team's lead drivers Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty as well as open-wheel veteran Jimmy Vasser. The 2010 Rolex 24 will be Johnson's fifth appearance in the grueling race that kicks off the season for the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16. Johnson has a best finish of second in both the 2005 and 2008 Rolex 24s.(Daytona Speedway PR)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Johnson hangs out with Yankee's Johnny Damon: Less than 48 hours after winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Nascar Sprint Cup championship in Homestead, Fla., Jimmie Johnson took a private elevator Tuesday to the observation deck of the Empire State Building with Johnny Damon, the stock-car racing fan (and Yankees left fielder). At the top, Johnson took photos of Damon hamming it up, and Damon took photos of Johnson, who tried to ham it up but was clearly not as good at it. Tourists snapped photos of Johnson and Damon taking photos of each other — a photo-op for a photo-op. And here was the surprise: As many people knew Johnson as knew Damon. (NY Times)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cup Champion Johnson to appear on Leno: Hot off of making history by clinching his fourth Cup Series title in a row NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson signs on for Leno's "Ten @ Ten" segment on NBC's "The Jay Leno Show" (Monday-Friday, 10:00-11:00pm/et) on Wednesday, November 25. "Ten @ Ten" connects Leno via satellite with celebrities and newsmakers from around the world. Johnson will be signing on from Charlotte, NC. "The Jay Leno Show" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer. (NBC)
Sprint Cup Champions week scheduled events: As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season nears conclusion the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway just a few weeks away 2009 Champion's Week celebrations have taken shape. Las Vegas, Nev., is the host city for this year's Champion's Week festivities, which culminates on Friday, Dec. 4 with the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas. This year, SPEED will televise the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony live with two re-airs. The awards ceremony is the series champion's formal celebration. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony can also be heard on Sirius NASCAR Radio (SIRIUS channel 128 and XM channel 128 with the "Best of SIRIUS"), and on MRN Radio. Though the awards ceremony is the traditional focal point, a full roster of exciting events is planned for this year's Champion's Week, many with fan involvement. This year's awards ceremony marks the first time in the sport's history that fans will join drivers, team owners and industry leaders in celebrating the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. Approximately 300 tickets are available to fans, which are being distributed by tracks, NASCAR partners, top-12 drivers and teams through various fan promotions.(NASCAR)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Jimmie Johnson to light up Empire State Building: On Tuesday, Nov. 24th, Jimmie Johnson, 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion is scheduled to flip the switch to light the Empire State Building's world-famous tower lights blue, white and yellow to celebrate "Jimmie Johnson Day" in New York City. New York Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon will introduce Johnson at the lighting ceremony, which is scheduled to start around 2:30pm/et. The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets in New York City. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.esbnyc.com.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Chad Knaus named Crew Chief of the Year: For the second consecutive season, Chad Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevy, was named the coveted 2009 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. The announcement was made Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway prior to the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale. After capturing his fifth Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in 2009 during last weekend's race at Phoenix, Knaus moved out of a tie with Darian Grubb, crew chief for the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy and driver Tony Stewart. Grubb finished the season with four Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race awards. Presenting the 2009 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year trophy to Knaus was Wypall Wipers Category Manager Tom Merrill and Jeff Hammond, who also serves as a spokesperson for Wypall Wipers. In addition to the limited edition trophy, Knaus received a check for $20,000.00. The 2009 Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge has been a season-long contest that has strived each week to determine the best crew chiefs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage.(Wypall PR)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Johnson and Lowes signs extension with Hendrick Motorsports: Lowe's Companies Inc. will continue its successful relationship with Hendrick Motorsports after signing a three-year agreement that secures primary sponsorship of the No. 48 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Driving the No. 48 Lowe's Chevys will be current points leader and three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, who has signed a five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will keep him with the organization through 2015. Johnson and Lowe's previously were signed through the 2010 season. The new pacts build upon a partnership launched in 2001 when Johnson was selected by Hendrick Motorsports to drive for the new Lowe's-sponsored No. 48 team. After nearly eight full seasons, the driver-sponsor relationship has become one of the most successful in NASCAR. "Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports are a key part of our marketing efforts and outreach to our more than 225,000 employees," said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "We believe this is the best combination in racing, and we're proud to have Jimmie carry the Lowe's name in NASCAR." Since his first full-time Sprint Cup season in 2002, Johnson has earned a series-leading 47 victories and only twice has finished outside the top two in championship points. Of the 16 NASCAR drivers who have recorded 40 or more wins, just three -- Herb Thomas, David Pearson and Richard Petty -- have higher career winning percentages. "Lowe's commitment to the 48 team and Hendrick Motorsports is tremendous and has been a source of pride for me personally," said Johnson, 34, who never has had a primary sponsor other than Lowe's in Sprint Cup competition. "We've built a championship team together, and I'm proud the 48 will carry the Lowe's colors for many more years." Through 35 of 36 races in 2009, the No. 48 Lowe's team led by crew chief Chad Knaus has posted 15 top-five finishes, 23 top-10s and a series-high seven wins. Johnson leads the championship standings with a 108-point margin over teammate Mark Martin going into Sunday's season finale at Homestead. "Lowe's took a chance on us back in 2001, and it's not a stretch to say this whole thing would never have been possible without them," said Rick Hendrick, who co-owns the No. 48 team with driver Jeff Gordon. "When you have a partner put that much faith in you, it's incredibly rewarding to see them be successful. They're a company with values and practices that we admire and learn from in our own business, and we feel very fortunate to continue this amazing ride together. Jimmie is charting new territory in our sport, and that's due to a combination of natural talent and unsurpassed work ethic. How he's committed himself is just incredible, and it shows in everything that he does -- not just on the racetrack. There's no question that he's one of the great champions in all of sports, and he's not done yet."(Hendrick Motorsports)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Johnson confident as he returns to Phoenix: Although Jimmie Johnson's lead in the standings has been cut from 184 to 73, Johnson remains in good shape to clinch his fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup championship as he heads to Phoenix International Raceway for Sunday's 312-mile, 500-kilometer race. And this is one of Johnson's best tracks — he has three wins, seven top-five finishes and 10 top-10s in 12 starts there. Johnson has finished in the top five in the last six Phoenix races, including three straight victories from November 2007 through a sweep in 2008. Johnson also has eight straight finishes of seventh or better there; one of those was a fourth-place finish in April. "I would say that, looking at the schedule, the best track remaining for us would be PIR," Johnson said. (USA Today)
Mark Martin praises Johnson's work ethic: Martin praised his teammate, Johnson, and his work ethic. "I was one of those like many others from the outside looking in, looking at Jimmie Johnson making it look easy thinking he was a lucky guy that drove for a great race team," Martin said. "I'm taking that back now. I've seen different and (am) one of the guys that is standing up saying, 'Hey, he's not getting enough credit.' " (USA Today)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Johnson didn't think record was possible: Even Jimmie Johnson has difficulty believing he is in position to do what no others have. "I didn't think it was possible," said Johnson, who is about to join Lee Petty (11) and Buck Baker (eight) as the only drivers to finish in the top five in the championship standings in each of their first seven full-time seasons. "I looked at what Jeff had accomplished, race wins and four championships, and that was probably the last we'd see something like that with how competitive the sport is. "I'm blown away and honored and enjoying every minute of what we're doing here, and hopefully that we can do it right these next (two) races, and do something that's never been done before." (Arizona Republic)
Did you know: 85 points largest deficit ever overcome: Jimmie Johnson finished a season-worst 38th and saw his lead trimmed to 73 points over Mark Martin, who finished fourth. The largest deficit ever overcome with two races remaining occurred in 1992 when Alan Kulwicki trailed by 85 points, but edged Bill Elliott for the Cup title by just 10 points, making it the second closest points battle in series history. Right now, 178 points separate Johnson from fifth-place Tony Stewart. It's not likely but possible that Johnson could clinch the championship on Sunday at Phoenix. He would need to gain 122 points.(ThatsRacin.com)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Johnson's No. 48 Crew wins Tissot Pit Road Award: Jimmie Johnson's crew took top honors at Martinsville Speedway, winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's Sprint Cup race. It was the fourth Tissot win of the season for the No. 48 crew, which has played a key role in Johnson's dominating performance in the first six Chase races, including his runner-up finish at Martinsville. Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road (329.445 seconds) during the TUMS Fast Relief 500. Johnson's over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Jon Lucas (rear-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kenneth Purcell (jackman), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Ron Malec (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Chad Knaus. Johnson's crew along with the crews of Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon are in a close competition for the Tissot season title with four races remaining. Biffle's crew leads with six wins, Gordon's crew is second with five wins and Johnson's crew is in third with four wins.(Tissot)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Johnson to be documented in HBO Sports documentary: HBO Sports' groundbreaking "24/7" reality franchise, which has captured seven Sports Emmy Awards, will debut its first non-boxing series with 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona, an all-new, four-episode, all-access series chronicling the driver and his team as they prepare for the Daytona 500. Debuting Tuesday, Jan. 26th (10:00-10:30pm/et/pt), the four-week series spotlights Jimmie Johnson, and gives viewers an inside look at the driver and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team as they prepare for the biggest race of the year. Ensuing episodes will debut on subsequent Tuesdays - Feb. 2, 9 and 16 - in prime time. The Feb. 16 series finale will debut two days after the race, with cameras tracking all the drama and excitement surrounding Johnson and his team on race day. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand. 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews with Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus, team owner Rick Hendrick and the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team as they prepare for the 2010 Daytona 500. Johnson says that getting his wife Chandra on board with the idea of cameras following them around was not difficult, since they had seen earlier "24/7" shows. "Chandra and I were big fans of the '24/7' series with Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, and that's kind of how this all came about," says Johnson, who along with his wife founded the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which has raised more than $2 million for various charities since its inception in 2006. The executive producers of 24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon; Liev Schreiber narrates. NASCAR Media Group, the leading producer of NASCAR on television, will provide production support for HBO Sports.(HBO PR)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
No. 48 and No. 5 taken by NASCAR for further inspection: For the third consecutive week, NASCAR officials will take Jimmie Johnson's and Mark Martin's cars to the Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C., for further inspection. The Hendrick Motorsports teammates hold down the top two spots in the Chase standings, with Johnson leading Martin by 12 points. Johnson's No. 48 Chevy cleared a post-race inspection after winning the Pepsi 500 Sunday at Auto Club Speedway. The winning car and the engines of the top two finishing cars always are taken to the R&D Center. Johnson won at Dover two weeks ago and Martin was second. After closer inspection at Concord, both teams were warned about being too close to the edge of the allowed tolerances at several places on the car bodies. Martin finished seventh last week at Kansas and Johnson was ninth, but both cars again were taken the R&D Center. Both cars were cleared after inspections in Concord. Martin finished fourth Sunday, but NASCAR officials again elected to take the No. 5 Chevy back to the R&D Center for additional tests.(ESPN.com)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Jimmie Johnson Foundation on No. 48 at Cali.: At Auto Club Speedway, Jimmie Johnson will drive a special No. 48 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe's Impala. His helmet will feature the 12 charities selected for his Helmet of Hope initiative. The helmet will be auctioned off at the 3rd Annual Jimmie Johnson Foundation Dinner and Auction with the proceeds going to the San Diego Jimmie Johnson Foundation Championship Grants in partnership with Lowe's Toolbox for Education.(GMR Marketings PR)
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Jimmie Johnson: It's anybody's championship: The statistics overwhelmingly suggest Jimmie Johnson is the driver to beat in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The three-time defending champion suggests otherwise. "It's anybody's championship," Johnson says. "Guys that have been locked in have been running decent but not scoring the most points. The guys around the bubble have probably been scoring the most points. It's really tough to pick a favorite." (USA Today)
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009
Chandra and Jimmie Johnson donates 500k to schools: Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced a $150,000 commitment for K-12 education in the Charlotte area. The foundation has partnered with Lowe’s, Johnson’s primary sponsor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and its Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program to offer a competitive grant opportunity to four local school districts in the city where the Johnsons currently reside. The Johnsons have also announced similar initiatives in their hometowns in California and Oklahoma, bringing the total commitment to education to more than $500,000. (PR)
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009
Johnson to be induced into Auto Club Speedway Walk of Fame: Native Southern Californian Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevy, will take his place alongside past Auto Club Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners when he is inducted into the ACS Walk of Fame on Saturday, October 10 at 9:30 a.m. during the inaugural Southern California Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Located at Gate 12, on the east end of the Opportunity, California FanZone, the ACS Walk of Fame ceremony has become a must attend, fan favorite. Race fans join Johnson as his footprint, signature and a bronze plaque are preserved in concrete during the enshrinement ceremony.(Auto Club Speedway PR)
Monday, Aug. 17, 2009
Jimmie Johnson to be honored at White House event: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will be honored at the White House on Wednesday, August 19. The South Lawn event will include 2008 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and several past champions and special guests. "NASCAR is once again honored to have its drivers recognized by the President of the United States," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "NASCAR is rooted deep in America's fabric and represents the best of sports and side-by-side competition." Joining Johnson for the celebration will be members of the 2008 Chase field: Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart. (Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth cannot attend due to schedule conflicts). Past champions and special guests in attendance will be: Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Juan Pablo Montoya, Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace and Darrell Waltrip. This will be the ninth time the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion has been honored at the White House since 2000. NASCAR's first official visit to the White House was in 1978 during the Carter administration.(NASCAR)
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009
No. 48 crew wins Tissot Pit Road Award: Jimmie Johnson's pit crew won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Monday's rain-delayed Sprint Cup road race at Watkins Glen. It was the third Tissot win of the season for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports pit crew, which moved into a tie for second place with Jeff Gordon's No. 24 crew, also from the Hendrick Motorsports stable. Greg Biffle's No. 16 crew leads the Tissot standings with four victories. Johnson's Lowe's Impala SS spent the least amount of time on pit road 86.746 seconds -- during the 90-lap race at the 2.45-mile road circuit. Johnson's over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Jeremy West (rear-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kenneth Purcell (jackman), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Ron Malec (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Chad Knaus and the pit crew coach is Greg Morin. Johnson's crew will collect $5,000 for the pit road win. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race Sprint Cup schedule will receive a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the crew and driver.(Tissot PR)
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009
White House to host Jimmie Johnson Aug 19th: White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19th: "Today's previously scheduled event to honor NASCAR champion had to be rescheduled because the race yesterday was rained out. That event will now be August 19, here at the White House."(Whitehouse.gov)
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009
Jimmie Johnson set to meet President Barack Obama: Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is finally going to get his White House visit for winning the 2009 title but he’s going to have company. The White House press secretary’s office announced late Friday that President Barack Obama will host a gathering Monday afternoon on the South Portico of the White House with Johnson, all the members of last year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup field as well as some former series champions, including Dale Jarrett and Darrell Waltrip. Also on hand for the 4:30 p.m. meeting will be one of Johnson’s No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets. “It’s a big honor for our sport to go to the White House. With the way things have changed in the automotive industry, I think it will be good to go up and be face-to-face with the president and let him see the personalities and understand that we’re real people and a real sport,” said Johnson. (ThatsRacin.com)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Johnson surpised by his own consistency: Even in a sport that handsomely rewards consistency, even Jimmie Johnson finds it hard to believe that he's been able to perform so well for so long. "In some ways I am shocked and surprised," said Johnson, who is second in the standings heading into Sunday's Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. "I know all the work that goes into it. On that front, we work very hard to be competitive. But it still surprises me." (Pocono Record)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Jimmie Johnson's NYC condo listed at 4.34 million: Celebrity Nascar driver Jimmie Johnson, a three-time champion of the Sprint Cup series, is asking $4.34 million for his New York condominium. In 2007, Mr. Johnson paid $3.98 million for the 3,200-square foot loft. In New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, the three-bedroom apartment has 3.5 baths and an open-plan living and dining room. The doorman building has a private gym. (Wall Street Journal)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Chad Knaus named Wypall Crew Chief of the Race at Indy: Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Lowe's Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson, has been named the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race after Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Johnson and the No. 48 team started the race in 16th position going on to capture his third Brickyard victory in four years. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly wins will be honored as the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season's end.(Wypall PR)
Friday, July 17, 2009
JJ named Best Driver at ESPYs: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevy, picked up the ESPY for Best Driver during the 17th annual ceremony Wednesday at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live. Fans can watch the ESPYs, hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, this Sunday at 9:00pm/et on ESPN. This marks the second year that Johnson has won the award, which is based upon a fan vote. Johnson, the three-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, also was nominated for Best Male Athlete, which was presented to 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. NASCAR has dominated the Best Driver category, picking up 11 of the last 14 awards. Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports teammates have won five of them: Jeff Gordon in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2007, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2004.(NASCAR)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Johnson nominated for "Best Male Athlete" and "Best Driver" at 2009 ESPYs: Jimmie Johnson and Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves are among the world-class athletes nominated for The 2009 ESPYs. The ESPYs gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. Fans will determine the winner in 37 categories (excluding special awards) by voting online at www.espys.tv or via mobile phone at www.espn.mobi. Voting begins today and runs through 11:59pm/et on July 11, and The 2009 ESPYs, hosted by Samuel L. Jackson and co-presented by Under Armour and Land Rover, will be televised Sunday, July 19, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN HD. A one-hour nomination show will be televised Friday, June 26, at 8:00pm/et on ESPN2. Johnson, who tied a NASCAR record by winning his third consecutive Sprint Cup championship in 2008, is nominated in the “Best Male Athlete” category along with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and NBA stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Johnson and Castroneves also are among five nominees in the “Best Driver” category, along with IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon, NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. The ESPYs honor ESPN’s commitment to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a partnership launched with the late Jim Valvano at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993. For the second time in several years, a limited amount of ESPYs tickets are available for public purchase through www.ticketmaster.com. The 2009 ESPYs will be taped Wednesday, July 15, at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. More info at www.espys.tv.(ESPN PR)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Oddsmakers have Jimmie Johnson as their opening favorite at NHMS: Johnson has opened as a 5/1 favorite to win the 2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 according to oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL. In 16 starts this season, Johnson has two wins, seven top-5 finishes and 10 top-10s. He currently has 2,207 points and ranks third on NASCAR's Spring Cup Series Standings. In 2008, Kurt Busch won a rain-shortened, 284-lap Industrial Tools 301. Despite winning last year, Busch currently has 15/1 odds to win this year's Industrial Tools 301. In 16 starts this season, he has one win, four top-5 finishes and eight top-10s. Other drivers receiving short odds this week are Kyle Busch (7/1), Mark Martin (8/1), Denny Hamlin (8/1), Jeff Gordon (8/1) and Tony Stewart (8/1).(The Spread)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Johnson says Mexico speedway isn't safe: Carlos Pardo was killed in a NASCAR Mexico race during the weekend. Pardo was leading when he went to block a competitor on the inside. They hit, turning Pardo, who slid passenger-side into a concrete barrier on the inside of the track. The contact sent sheet metal flying, leaving a mangled chassis. Jimmie Johnson said he saw a video of the accident. "There were so many things wrong in that situation; I wouldn't even drive a race car on that track," Johnson said. "Those moveable concrete walls that were there, if you just hit it in a straight line, one of those sections is going to move and now you're going to hit the blunt end of another section.... Yes, we still need to look at these angles and how a car can get into situations." (Virginian-Pilot)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Johnson tired of answering questions concerning Dale Jr: Jimmie Johnson was asked about Dale Earnhardt during his press conference and how difficult it was to focus with all the questions swirling about his larger-than-life teammate. "For us, teammates are family," Johnson said. "We want our teammates to be successful and win races and championships and all those things. So, in one respect it's difficult. But at the same time, we have to worry about (my) team and our performance. "The hardest part, truthfully, is answering the questions. Once the helmets go on and the cars fire up and we're on the track, that's really the easiest part. I'm sure Junior would say the same thing." (Cherry Hill Courier Post)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tony Eury Jr. to oversee No. 48's road course testing next week: Tony Eury Jr. is getting off to a quick start in his new role with Hendrick Motorsports' research and development group. On Tuesday, Eury will accompany the No. 48 Chevy team to Carolina MotorSports Park in Kershaw, S.C., to supervise road course testing with three-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. The private two-day session is closed to the public and the media. Eury will lead the effort and refine the No. 48 team's setup for the June 21 Sprint Cup event at Infineon Raceway -- the first road race of the 2009 season. In addition to his research and development duties, Eury will crew chief Hendrick Motorsports' No. 25 GoDaddy.com Chevy Sprint Cup effort with driver Brad Keselowski for the remainder of 2009. "Having someone of Tony's caliber in this role is an asset," said Doug Duchardt, vice president of development for Hendrick Motorsports. "He will be partnering with our lead chassis engineer on various projects, and his experience will make him a great fit with Brad. Having that veteran leadership is important for a young driver." Keselowski and the Eury-led no. 25 team will next attempt to qualify at Chicagoland Speedway in July.(HMS PR)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Johnson says its too early to tell which Hendrick team or affiliate likely to win title: Hendrick driver Jimmie Johnson, who has won the past three championships, cautions that it's too early to say the championship this season will be settled among the Hendrick team and its affiliates. "We're all very proud of what our equipment has done [but] it's just too early to tell," he said, adding that Hendrick's success is due to having both good equipment and good people. "You look at the depth on the teams, the drivers, I think that explains a lot of it," he said. "It's just a great group of people. We certainly hope it stays this way." (Racin' Today)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Johnson: Drivers are getting more aggressive: Defending series champion Jimmie Johnson said the racing has become more aggressive lately. "If you look at the races that we've had from Talladega to Richmond to Darlington, they're all tough races where there's a lot of side-by-side action, and it's easy to raise tempers and have situations develop that upset you, " he said. "Track position ... is everything. You have to fight so hard. You can't just give up positions any more because you'll never get them back. Everybody is fighting extremely hard to keep their spot. Guys trying to pass have to fight that much harder to get by and frustration starts to come up. " (Roanoke Times)
Jimmie Johnson doesn't have time to tweet: Jimmie Johnson, on social networking on the Internet: "I'm not going to open myself up to that stuff, and I don't have the time for it. I'm already a slave to my BlackBerry. The last thing I need to be doing is worrying about Twittering people." (Philadelphia Daily News)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Johnson blames younger crew members for slow start: Jimmie Johnson got off to a slow start this season and was 13th after four races before a third place at Bristol, the win at Martinsville and second at Texas. Some changes to his No. 48 Chevy team contributed to the rocky start. “We have some new blood on the race team … young guys who really haven’t been in this environment on a Cup weekend dealing with the best teams and drivers in the business, and it just takes a little while,” Johnson said. “The guys are all very strong mentally and fundamentally with what they do, but there’s nothing like race situations. “We’ve made more mistakes at the start of the season this season than we did last year. Last year the (new) car held us up, and this year we’ve been holding ourselves up. I’ve been caught speeding on pit road like three times, we’ve had some different issues and pit strategy has gone the wrong way. Cautions have come out at the wrong time when we’re on pit road, so in that respect, we’ve made more mistakes, but I think we’re far better performance-wise than we were last year at this time.” (KC Star)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Knaus named WYPALL Crew Chief of the Race: Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Lowe's Chevy driven by three-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, has been named the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Sunday's Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly wins will be honored as the Wypall Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. The Wypall Wipers Crew Chief Challenge will continue throughout the 2009 season and spotlight the men behind the machines.(Wypall PR)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Johnson to sport special paint scheme at Texas: No. 48 Jimmie Johnson will showcase a special "Tough Tools for Cool Schools" paint scheme for the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway as a result of his assistance with a partnership between Kobalt Tools and SkillsUSA. Lowe's and Kobalt Tools will help the next generation of skilled trade professionals by donating approximately $300,000 worth of Kobalt tools to more than 500 SkillsUSA building and construction trade classes and labs across the country. There are approximately 1,000 SkillsUSA chapters in Texas public schools and trade/technical schools. Texas SkillsUSA serves nearly 15,500 student and professional members who are enrolled in trade, technical, industrial and health occupation programs.(TMS PR)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Johnson testifies in Castroneves trial: NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson was the leadoff defense witness Monday in the Helio Castroneves tax evasion trial, testifying that a lawyer who is also charged in the case has a sterling reputation in the motorsports world. Johnson, a three-time Sprint Cup winner, said Michigan lawyer Alan Miller has many clients in NASCAR and the Indy Racing League, a circuit where the Brazilian-born Castroneves is a top driver. Both Castroneves and Johnson have received financial guidance from Miller. "Alan's reputation is about honesty. His character is second to none," Johnson testified in a 10-minute appearance. "He's given me great advice." Miller, 71, is charged with conspiracy and tax evasion for allegedly helping Castroneves, 33, and the driver's business manager-sister, 35-year-old Katiucia, avoid U.S. taxes on some $5.5 million from 1999 to 2004. All three face more than six years in prison if convicted. (Associated Press)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Johnson crew wins Tissot Pit Road Precision Award: Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 team took top honors by winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The weekly competition, which recognizes the over-the-wall pit crews, has had different winners in each of the first five Cup races of 2009. Johnson’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front-tire changer), Art Simmons (front-tire carrier), Jeremy West (rear-tire changer), Andy Brown (rear-tire carrier), Kenneth Purcell (jackman), Rich Gutierrez (gasman), Mike Knauer (catch can) and Ron Malec (eighth man). The team’s pit crew coach is Greg Morin. For winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award, the No. 48 team will receive $5,000. The team with the most pit road wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will earn a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the driver and over-the-wall crew members.(DMF Communications)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Johnson visits childhood neighborhood: Twice a year, Jimmie Johnson detours through his childhood neighborhood en route to a NASCAR race in Fontana. “I like to stay connected,” the NASCAR champion said recently. “Many of my friends and memories are still rooted in El Cajon.” This week was no exception. Johnson flew into San Diego yesterday before heading north for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. As usual, Johnson is visiting the site of the four Habitat for Humanity homes his foundation is building near downtown El Cajon and he will stop by the Chevrolet dealership in Kearny Mesa that bears his name. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Johnson plans to wear no brace: Three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson didn't wear a brace in Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout and doesn't plan to wear one in Thursday's 150-mile qualifying races, Sunday's Daytona 500 or any practice sessions. Johnson cut tendons in the middle finger on his left hand last month at the Rolex 24 trying to cut a hole in his fire suit. He has gradually worked down the size of the plastic brace for off-track activities, but none is small enough to wear with a safety glove. "I wear a brace at night so when I'm sleeping I don't roll over and bend my finger back and hurt the tendon," Johnson said before Wednesday's first practice at Daytona International Speedway. (ESPN.com)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Johnson suffers minor cut: Jimmie Johnson required repair of a tendon and nerve after cutting his left middle finger with a kitchen knife Sunday afternoon in Daytona Beach, Fla., while preparing to compete in the final segment of the Rolex 24 sports car series race. The injury occurred above the knuckle and happened while Johnson was attempting to cut a small hole in his firesuit in order to feed a tube from a cooling shirt through the pocket of his suit. Johnson flew from Daytona Beach to Charlotte for further evaluation and outpatient treatment with a hand specialist at Carolinas Medical Center. The injury will not keep Johnson from driving in the season’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup event Feb. 7 at Daytona International Speedway. “That certainly wasn’t the way I wanted to end the Rolex race,” said Johnson, who ran with the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team. “I really appreciate all the hard work by the guys this weekend. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there at the end with them. The doctors did a great job in Daytona and Charlotte and I can’t thank them enough. Everything feels good and I’ll be ready to roll for Daytona.” Johnson is still scheduled to appear on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and will co-host his Super Skins charity golf tournament and party with Nick Lachey this weekend in Tampa, Fla.(GMR Marketings PR)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thailand protest causes Johnson to cancel trip: Jimmie Johnson has tabled a planned offseason trip to Thailand after protestors had shut down an airport in Bangkok for a week and left the country's government in turmoil. “We just canceled our trip and [are] trying to think of what to do now,” the three-time NASCAR Cup champion said Tuesday. “We’re on short notice, and I’m sure we can think something out. We really wanted to travel somewhere off the wall and far. I’m not sure where we’ll end up now.” Ironically, both Johnson and Sprint Cup competitor Carl Edwards had plans to go to Thailand. (SceneDaily.com)
Johnson, Knaus ready to test despite ban: Nascar has suspended testing at its tracks in the 2009 season to cut costs, but (Chad) Knaus has already compiled a list of other tracks at which Johnson may be able to test. In October, Knaus started preparing for the 2009 Daytona 500, which is scheduled for Feb. 15. About two weeks ago, Hendrick said he visited his garage. Two of his cars were being tested — Johnson’s No. 48 and the No. 24 car driven by Jeff Gordon — and both cars had already been trimmed with all of their decals. “Ready to go to Daytona,” Hendrick said, smiling. (NY Times)
Johnson, Edwards named to All-America Auto Racing Team: NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and runner-up Carl Edwards have been named to the 2008 All-America Auto Racing Team by the Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. They are joined by IRL champion Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves on the 17-member team. Drag racers include NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher and Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon.Other members include: road racers David Brabham and Scott Sharp (American Le Mans champ) and Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas (Grand American Road Racing champ), short track's Jerry Coons Jr. (USAC Silver Crown and Sprint champ) and Donny Schatz (World of Outlaws champ), NASCAR Truck champ Johnny Benson, ARCA champ Justin Allgaier, and at-large entries Jorg Bergmeister, Wolf Henzler (ALMS GT champ) and Raphael Matos (Indy Lights champ). The 2008 driver of the year, from the 14 selections, will be announced at a Jan. 10 awards dinner in Ontario. The public is invited to the dinner. For more information, go to www.AAR WBA.org. (aarwba)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Johnson and Edwards sponsor exposure exceeded $1 billion in '08: Joyce Julius & Associates monitors sports sponsorships, but it is best known for measuring exposure given to sponsors during televised sports coverage. In NASCAR, for instance, Joyce Julius looks at telecasts of races in NASCAR's three top series and clocks how long a sponsor's logo can be seen clearly. It counts each second and then multiplies that by what it would cost to buy a second of advertising on that telecast. According to this year's research, Jimmie Johnson's sponsors had their respective logos shown for 59hours, 28minutes, 39seconds. By the Joyce Julius formula, that means Johnson's sponsors got $510,161,750 worth of exposure. Carl Edwards, who finished second in the standings to Johnson, had his sponsors shown for 58:50:11. That equates to $495,908,515 in exposure. (More at Charlotte Observer)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Knaus: Jimmie Johnson best ever: "I've been fortunate to work with really great race car drivers," said Chat Knaus. "I worked with Jeff Gordon in the No.24 car. I've seen what Jeff can do with a racecar and I've got a lot of respect for what Jeff can do. "To be able to work with Jimmie, he's definitely brought it to a new level. But I'm also a lot more entwined than I was back then, with what's going on. "In my eyes, he's the best that there's been. That may be a little... whatever you want to say, people are going to say Richard Petty is, Dale Earnhardt and all those guys. But with the competition level the way it is today with what you've got to do working, racing day in and day out, no time to take time off, in my mind, he is the best." (AutoSport.com)
Ditka fan of Johnson: After a night party in Miami and an hour and a half of sleep, Jimmie Johnson was whisked Monday morning to ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn. Not long after he walked in the door, Johnson said, he ran into Mike Ditka. Johnson had just become only the second driver in Nascar history, and the first in 30 years, to win three straight Cup championships. Still, he introduced himself. Ditka, an N.F.L. commentator for ESPN, stopped him cold. "He said, 'I know who you are, Champ, and, by the way, you are a dynasty,' " Johnson said Tuesday in a conference call. (New York Times)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
More: Jimmie Johnson's Cup three-peat
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Johnson, Hendrick on ABC/ESPN's Phoenix telecast: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series viewers in two time zones were somewhat surprised to see Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway moved to another network before it was concluded. After a pair of red-flag periods delayed the race, which had engines firing for the start at 3:52 EST, ABC officials made the decision to shift the conclusion of the race to ESPN2 in order to show the regularly-scheduled "America's Funniest Home Videos" to viewers in Eastern and Central Standard Time zones. Race winner Jimmie Johnson and team owner Rick Hendrick were surprised to hear of the switch following the event. "It doesn't say very much," team owner Rick Hendrick said when asked what the move said about the Chase. "I didn't know that. That's where my mother is. I'm glad my phone went dead at the end of the race." Johnson laughed in his response, but admitted his own surprise. "Well, I thought it went dark and nobody could watch it," he said. "So the fact that it was on another television channel was, I mean, it's better. It's still somewhat on a prime channel of course on ABC, but to go to America's Funniest Home Videos, that one hurts, no doubt. I thought we have a lot of characters. Why do we need that show?" (ScaneDaily.com)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Jimmie Johnson to speak at the National Press Club in D.C.: #48-Jimmie Johnson will be speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, July 8. The reigning Sprint Cup Series Champion will discuss his life experiences as a leading NASCAR driver and influential philanthropist. (Lowe's Racing PR)
June 26, 2007
NASCAR issues teams #48, #24 penalties for Sonoma Infractions: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars – the #24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the #48 driven by Jimmie Johnson – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday. As a result, Gordon and Johnson have each been penalized 100 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus – have each been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Nextel Cup Series events until Aug. 15, 2007 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #24, has been penalized 100 car owner championship points as has Gordon, who is the owner of the #48.(NASCAR PR)
Hendrick Motorsports response to NASCAR: Car owner Rick Hendrick responded to NASCAR sanctions announced today involving the #24 and #48 Nextel Cup Series teams of Hendrick Motorsports. "We are disappointed in NASCAR's decision and feel the penalties are excessive," Hendrick said. "Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including our personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. We'll take some time to decide on a direction and make an announcement regarding our plans for New Hampshire later in the week." (Hendrick Motorsports PR)
June 23, 2007
Gordon and Johnson OK'd for Saturday practices: Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon wasted no time returning to the track after NASCAR inspectors approved their cars. The two had an unexpected day off Friday after their cars failed to pass inspection. NASCAR deemed the front fenders on the No. 24 and No. 48 Chevrolets illegal and banned the two drivers from the day's practice and qualifying. NASCAR did, however, allow the teams to alter the fenders and send the cars back through inspection. Both teams did that Friday, but waited until Saturday morning for official approval. "Everything is fine," said Doug Duchardt, vice president of development for Hendrick. "We're way behind, but we'll just go out there and prepare today the way we would on any Saturday and hope for the best." (AP/ABC News)
June 22, 2007
J. Gordon and J. Johnson fail inspection; Neither allowed to qualify or practice: Nextel Cup Series points leader Jeff Gordon and defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, both of the Hendrick Motorsports stable, have failed inspection at Infineon Raceway. The cars of neither Gordon, the defending race champion, nor Johnson will be allowed to practice or qualify Friday. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said both cars "failed the initial inspection ... as a result of body modifications found to be outside NASCAR tolerances. The front fender [of both cars] was modified outside of NASCAR regulations. They did not meet the C2 template inspection." According to Poston, Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 and No. 25 cars, for Kyle Busch and Casey Mears, passed inspections. Poston added, "both teams have an opportunity to repair and resubmit their cars" for inspection up to the start of practice Saturday. "Assuming they pass inspection, they can practice [Saturday] and start at the rear of the field [Sunday]," he said. (NASCAR.com) Note: Further penalties, including possible suspensions if any, will be announced next week.
Jimmie Johnson Page 2 News
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Birthdate: Sept. 17, 1975