Published 11/04/2022, 1:08 PM EDT
The rumors were true after all, Jimmie Johnson is back in NASCAR. But instead of the role we’re all familiar with, for his second coming in the sport, the seven-time Cup Series champion is joining another seven-timer, Richard Petty.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Johnson will become a part-owner of Petty GMS Motorsports.
Along with that, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver will also make some appearances behind the wheel for his new team, including the Great American Race, the Daytona 500.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
After such an announcement, the reactions from the NASCAR community were as you’d expect them to be. Former drivers, current drivers, and fans were all delighted with the return of Johnson, who is indisputably one of the greatest to ever do it.
WATCH THIS STORY: “This Car Will Kill Someone” Fears Grow as Chase Elliott Slams “Backwards” NASCAR After Justin Marks Tussle
Jimmie Johnson had his eye on the owner’s role in NASCAR for a while
Speaking after the announcement of his return to NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson admitted that this decision wasn’t one that he just happened to make in a hurry.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“I’ve had a watchful eye on the ownership part and what’s happening with NASCAR, and the opportunity that I have here, the business structure and the model with NASCAR charters is just so different from than anything else in motorsports,” Johnson said.
HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, poses for a portrait after winning the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via Getty Images)
GMS Founder Maury Gallagher also expressed his excitement about JJ joining their team as he revealed the role that their new partner would play alongside his fellow seven-timer.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“Jimmie is just a tremendous guy and in my older age, I value relationships as much as anything,” Gallagher said. “I’m more of a background guy. I want Jimmie and Richard to be the faces of the organization, help on the economics and the operations is just a big bonus.”