Jimmie Johnson will no longer be full-time in the IndyCar Series

Jimmie Johnson will no longer drive full-time in the IndyCar Series next season, he announced Monday. He reserves himself for other challenges in the future, possibly in the IndyCar Series, and most certainly in the world of Endurance.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion played his only full-time season in the IndyCar Series this season, leading 21 laps of a race and twice finishing in the top six driving the #48 Carvana Honda of Chip Ganassi Racing. . His best result in 29 starts over his two seasons was a fifth-place finish at the oval at Iowa Speedway.

Johnson withdraws from full-time IndyCar program

Jimmie Johnson

I made the decision not to compete full time in 2023. It was a tough choice for me, but in my heart I know it’s the right one. I’m not sure what the next chapter has in store for me, but if a meaningful opportunity arises, I’ll consider it.

I still have a list of racing events I would like to participate in. Competing at this level in IndyCar was a dream come true. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to race than Chip Ganassi Racing. Everyone has worked very hard over the last two seasons, trying to get the best performance out of me every week. The support from my team and my teammates Dario (Franchitti), Scott (Dixon), Tony (Kanaan), Marcus (Ericsson) and Alex (Palou) exceeded anything I could have asked for.

I am grateful to Carvana for allowing me to have this adventure in the IndyCar championship, to see the value of our partnership and to be open to future opportunities together. They really showed me that there is no finish line in life.

Most importantly (and the real rock stars in all of this) is my family, Chani, Evie and Lydia. They have always allowed me to pursue my dreams, and we are all very excited for what the future holds for all of us. We’ve enjoyed every minute of the past two years, and 2022 has ticked so many boxes for me personally, and I’m so overjoyed.

Team owner Chip Ganassi said he « fully supports » Johnson’s decision. « He has been a valuable member of our team and if we can find a way to continue working together we would love to do so. »he said in the statement.

The 47-year-old Jimmie Johnson’s career is more than successful, but the American driver has well deserved to put his family first. Although he doesn’t completely hang up his helmet, we could very well imagine him returning to the Indianapolis 500 (with training from other races on ovals), and why not to the 24 Hours of Le Mans (why not with Garage 56 in 2023) or possibly with an IMSA / FIA WEC program.