Jimmie Johnson is having the time of his life at his first race weekend behind the wheel of an IndyCar.
The 45-year-old switched over to open wheel racing this season, after spending an entire career racing in NASCAR. With 83 wins and seven championships to his name, he has more than secured his place in that series’ Hall of Fame.
Now Johnson is driving for Chip Ganassi Racing and is preparing for his first ever race in IndyCar against a field full of immense talent.
His inexperience and relative lack of pace has not dampened his spirits, however, and the California-native is loving every minute of his new career.
“The smile’s not going to go away,” relayed Johnson after qualifying.
“What an amazing day! Didn’t qualify last, so that was a really good thing, a small victory for me in this journey.
“Today was full of firsts – red tires [Firestone alternates], qualifying session, race weekend, the different layers that exist. Just kind of building my way into things.
“What a rush, though! These cars are so physical, so demanding. It’s not two or three laps in, and my tongue is hanging out, panting, just wrestling this monster around the racetrack.
“The fun meter is pegged, to say the least, and I’m very excited to have this opportunity in the Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar.”
Johnson qualified down the order and will be starting from 21st position out of a field of 24 for the 90-lap event this afternoon.
He will look to stay out of trouble and get as many laps under his belt as possible on the physical 2.38-mile course.
The green flag waves for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama from Barber Motorsports Park later today at 15:45 Eastern Time.
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