After one of the most illustrious careers in NASCAR history, Jimmie Johnson is now a Hall of Fame driver.
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It wasn't a matter of if, it was just a matter of when, and that time is now. Johnson can put to bed his waiting, as he has been named one of three inductees in the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class.
A winner.
A champion.
A NASCAR legend.The newest member of the #NASCARHOF is @JimmieJohnson! pic.twitter.com/9AqYEwAUFa
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 2, 2023
It wasn't an easy journey to this point for Johnson, from years of racing on two wheels to getting the ultimate opportunity at Hendrick Motorsports, his career has been filled with iconic moments thanks to some lucky opportunities earlier in his career.
Jimmie Johnson's Hall of Fame Reaction
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Johnson shared that sentiment during an appearance on NASCAR RaceHub, talking about his journey to reaching the ultimate goal.
"It's been a long journey and all of the emotions are kind of running together right now." Jimmie Johnson joins #NASCAR #RaceHub to talk about his induction into the #NASCARHOF. pic.twitter.com/nWen6sI9r3
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 2, 2023
"It's been a long journey and all of the emotions are kind of running together right now," Johnson said.
It was always about timing for Johnson. Much like it was for Jeff Gordon, his former teammate, and co-owner of the No. 48 car Johnson piloted to 83 career wins.
Johnson won't be the only one from the famed Lowe's Chevrolet team that has something to celebrate, as his long-time crew chief Chad Knaus was also named to the Hall of Fame Class. It seems fitting that the two are going into the Hall of Fame together, given their long and storied careers.
There were plenty of emotions from both Johnson and Knaus as they sat waiting to hear the news. Johnson talked about how fitting it was that he and Chad are going in together, with Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass.
"I'm so glad that it's all played as it has," Johnson said. "It's so fitting for us both to go in together... We just wanted to go racing. Our parents raced. Our families raced. We just wanted to be racers. I know I tried to dream big, but I couldn't have dreamed this big."
It is an incredible honor to be voted into the @NASCARHall with the Class of 2024.
What makes this moment even more special is being inducted with @chadknaus. We re-wrote the record books together, so it’s only fitting we are inducted together. Congratulations also to Donnie… pic.twitter.com/HQSeBTmISo
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 2, 2023
Like Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Owner Rick Hendrick knew how special those two were, and that what they were able to accomplish was magic.
"I cannot imagine a more fitting moment than Jimmie and Chad being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the same class," Hendrick, a 2017 inductee himself said. "As individuals, they're truly unique, with different personalities, strengths, and approaches to their craft. Each is a champion and generational talent in their own right. But together they were pure magic."
Something about Hendrick Motorsports drivers and crew chiefs that have always been magical. It's a well-deserved honor for both driver and crew chief alike.
