Jimmie Johnson returning to NASCAR Cup Series with Petty GMS
AVONDALE, Ariz. (BVM) – Jimmie Johnson’s time away from racing didn’t last long, following what will be the end of a two-year retirement. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion announced his return back to the track in 2023, pairing up as a part-owner of Petty GMS with fellow seven-time champ Richard Petty. The agreement allows the chance for Johnson to drive in a part-time role next season for select races in the NASCAR Cup Series.
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 4, 2022
“It’s great to be back in NASCAR,” Johnson said in a press release. “When the IndyCar season ended I started on this journey of what was next. (Majority co-owner) Maury [Gallagher] and I connected, this opportunity came to light and it’s the perfect fit for me. Team ownership makes so much sense at this stage of my career and after spending time with Maury and his family, talking with Mike (Beam), Dave (Elenz, crew chief of the No. 43) and Joey (Cohen, Director of Competition and Engineering), I realized this was something I wanted to be involved with from both the business perspective and on the competition side.
“If I’m going to commit to something like this, I want to make a difference and have something tangible to show for it when it’s all said and done. So, this opportunity with Petty GMS is all of that and much more.”
Johnson will open his return back to the Cup Series at the Daytona 500. At the current time, sponsors and the number selection for the car are still being worked on, but pairing up with the NASCAR legend was an opportunity both sides looked forward to.
“What an exciting time for Petty GMS,” Richard Petty said in a press release. “This year we’ve accomplished so much together with Maury and now adding Jimmie will only continue to help us grow. To have Jimmie — another seven-time champion — as a part of the team, and his abilities both on track and off will be special for Petty GMS. I’m looking forward to having him as a part of our team and seeing what we can build together.”
After driving for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar the past two seasons, Johnson is keeping his return open, but has changed his focus to his newest endeavor. Last season, Petty GMS featured a two-car effort with both Erik Jones and Ty Dillon as drivers.
Following the formation of Petty GMS in December of 2021, the team’s newest partnership seems to have made the splash it was looking for.
