Published 01/28/2023, 7:19 AM EST
One of the best things about the NASCAR world, when it comes to the sport, is they like it all raw and unfiltered. With all the preparations on for the Dayton 500 to begin fans got a taste of some driver’s opinions. One such was that of the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 winner – Denny Hamlin on legendary Jimmie Johnson.
With Jimmie Johnson’s return this year to racing part-time, it certainly has created a stir. The 23XI co-owner, Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts candidly, on the Dirty Mo Media podcast. A clip shared from the interview was posted on Instagram where Denny was seen saying that it could have been a completely different game for him if he was not for the Jimmie Johnson era. He said, “ I hate that he’s coming back. I just because as the guy that you know, I just put on this pedestal of like unbeatable, just super talented like he was the guy. And like I always said I hate I raced in the Jimmy Johnson era like damn it, I was so unfortunate.”
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Denny Hamlin on Jimmie Johnson
Hamlin questioned “how many championships would I have, if I didn’t have to race against him right?”. He further added that he doesn’t understand where the motivation for JJ comes from . As per Hamlin’s opinion, if JJ came in with all the struggles the scene would be completely different. He said, “I hate tainting what I’m going to think about him if he comes in and struggles which is the most likely scenario.”
TORONTO, ON – JULY 15 – Chip Ganassi Racing driver Jimmie Johnson (48) of United States. After a two year hiatus, Torontos annual race, the Honda Indy, roars back to the streets around the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. July 15, 2022. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
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Jimmie Johnson gearing up for Daytona 500
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NASCAR fans always wanted JJ’s return to the Cup Series and they got it. He announced his return to Petty GMS. The 7-time Cup Series winner did not have too many chances to prepare for the 2023 season. But with Johnson’s talent, the lack of practice has no one worried. Johnson has mentioned that there might be a few obstacles to overcome in the first few races. Even with all the limitations of a new version of the car, learning about simulators and new rules, testing would not be that difficult as he knows the Phoenix track quite well. While Jimmie Johnson declared that Phoenix testing will be no help in Daytona 500, it is a track where he has had a lot of success in the past. However, with whatever time he has before the race he will certainly make the most use of it.
Watch this story: Jimmie Johnson Declares That Phoenix Testing Will Be No Help in Daytona, as He Gears Up to Compete in the Cup Series After Two Years
Fans are very close to witness all the magic of the drivers on the tracks. With Daytona 500 beginning soon there is a lot of excitement in the air.