Published 01/29/2023, 9:50 AM EST
It is fairly well known that Jimmie Johnson is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series. Additionally, everyone is aware that the 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is only returning on a part-time basis, However, it seems that whoever was in charge of his credentials did not get the memo at all.
So the #84 driver was understandably confused when his credentials referred to him as a full-season driver. Sharing the credentials on Twitter, he wrote, “My @NASCAR credentials came in, looks like I have “options” in 2023.”
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One thing is for certain, the Legacy Motor Club driver will be competing in five races this year. The first race is the iconic Daytona 500, and he is training hard for it. Admittedly, not much is known about the remaining races, but Johnson will definitely be back in action.
To make matters even better, the NASCAR Cup gig is not the only thing on his plate. Recently, news broke that he will join Mike Rockenfeller and Jenson Button in the NASCAR Garage 56 Le Mans team.
READ MORE: Jimmie Johnson Recalls Driving ‘Instinctively’ Behind the Wheel of NASCAR’s Le Mans Entry
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What to expect from Jimmie Johnson in 2023?
Honestly speaking, there are really not a lot of lofty expectations from the 7-time champion. Safe to say, he has proven all that he can prove and established himself as a legend in the Cup arena. However, one has to wonder whether he is really doing the right thing by coming back to NASCAR. After all, not everyone can manage a successful comeback after a couple of years away—just ask Michael Schumacher.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 29: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, looks on during practice for NTT IndyCar Series Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 29, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
For the moment, Johnson will have to just take things one race at a time. He will be aware that the competition will be much fiercer than ever. As a result, he will have to really battle his way through the pack. Of course, the other issue is that it will be his first time in the Next Gen car in a racing scenario. With all of his contemporaries having at least one year’s worth of experience with the car, Jimmie Johnson is on the back foot.
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