Jimmie Johnson retuned to Cup car for testing at Phoenix

Bob Pokulas

FOX NASCAR Insider

AVONDALE, Arizona — Jimmie Johnson was enjoying the chance to return to his NASCAR Cup Series car when he tried to qualify for the Daytona 500 three weeks later, even if it likely wouldn’t do him much good.

Johnson did some laps Tuesday in the Cup car at Phoenix Raceway, the last place he drove in NASCAR in 2020. He has less horsepower and less hard braking—it definitely felt different.

“It definitely looked different in speed,” Johnson said. “The rest is the mass of the vehicle. It feels different than a stock car, all the mass trying to slow down, change direction, use the throttle.”

“In IndyCar, it’s so crisp and nimble. But it was hard for me to feel or feel it, so it gave me some warning and some clues that I was slipping or slipping. It was great to be back in the car they gave me.”

Johnson, 47, announced in November that he would be returning to NASCAR as a part-time driver and co-owner of what is now Legacy Motor Club. His test was allowed under the stipulation that elite his drivers could test next-generation cars (his NASCAR Cup car that debuted last year) at tracks where NASCAR does not race drivers.

It was designed to allow the driver to become familiar with the car, and Johnson was certainly able to use the tests to learn about the car.

“I think I would have broken my ass if I had come here and tried to chase away the memories, so I’m grateful that we had the time to simulate,” Johnson said, adding how different next-generation car tires will look. “So I found it very helpful and had a nice day.”

But the one-mile Phoenix track is nothing like the high-banked 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway where Johnson needs to qualify for the Daytona 500. At least he’s one of the 5 (sometimes 8) drivers, these he’s aiming for 4 spots.

Johnson said of the test, “I wouldn’t say anything has changed compared to the 500.” For me, it was just a step back in one of these cars.”

Knowing just a few elements of how a car drives, Johnson wants to help himself. He said he learned something about the throttle on/off timing and shifting mechanics of the next-generation car.

“We hope it will be broadly applicable,” Johnson said. “I don’t think what we learned here today will carry over to Daytona..it’s an animal in itself..but today was a good track..and a good day for me in the car.”

Johnson has not set a schedule for the rest of 2023 after Daytona, but said he is unlikely to race the Indianapolis 500 on Tuesday. I want to This brings the next generation type of vehicle to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“It’s not off, but we’ll find out soon enough,” Johnson said of racing at the Indy 500. [to not happening]Garage 56’s opportunities, sponsorships, timing, and where it all sits have some moving elements.

“It’s not clear yet, but I hope it works out soon.”

Working alongside Johnson at Phoenix was Joey Logano’s former Cup champion crew chief Todd Gordon. Johnson announced on Monday that Gordon will be crew chief for his Cup start.

“Todd is a true professional,” Johnson said. “Obviously, his stats speak for themselves. I’m trying to find someone who can fit in, work with me, and help the organization. Todd is the perfect candidate for that.”

Gordon left Team Penske after the 2021 season, working primarily as a radio analyst for shows and broadcasts.

“Racers don’t give up. At least that’s the desire,” Gordon said. Great for that.

“And the other part is that other parts of my career at this point keep me in good shape. Maintaining knowledge of garages and cars and helping me in that aspect. I think.”

Richard Petty, Johnson’s co-owner and seven-time Cup champion, said the Johnson will be like a rookie in next-gen cars because it’s so different.

So did Johnson feel like a rookie on Tuesday?

“I hope not,” Johnson said. “In some respects, I did.”

Bob Pockrass runs NASCAR for FOX Sports. Over the decades, including the last 30 Daytona 500s, he has worked for ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine, The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal, and more. Follow him on Twitter @Bob PoclasSign up for Bob Poklas’ FOX Sports NASCAR Newsletter.

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