On Wednesday, Chip Ganassi Racing, Jimmie Johnson, and Carvana announced that Johnson will compete full-time, including the Indy 500 for the 2022 season. Carvana is returning to sponsor Johnson full-time.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion competed in twelve races this year. His highest finish was 17th at Laguna Seca and Long Beach.
Jimmie Johnson on competing full-time said, “I’m really excited about this next chapter of my career and competing in the No. 48 with Carvana for the 2022 season. The safety of these cars has come so far, and after I tested the ovals at Texas and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I realized this was a challenge I wanted to undertake. I’m thankful for Chip, Carvana, and all who made this possible.”
Johnson added, “Last season was so incredible for me, and I made a lot of progress, so I know I can be competitive on tracks that I have experience on. I can’t wait to be part of the Indianapolis 500. It’s a childhood dream come true.”
Johnson is no stranger to The Brickyard. In his 20-year NASCAR career, Johnson won the Brickyard 400 four times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2012).
Carvana Chief Brand Officer Ryan Keeton is excited to see Johnson race full-time in 2022. “Chip Ganassi Racing and Jimmie Johnson are ideal partners, and we’re excited to watch Jimmie race the full season in 2022.”
Keeton added, “Our entire Carvana crew is inspired by Jimmie’s commitment as he’s forged this new path in his racing career. Carvana has always stood for challenging the status quo, and we see that same drive and passion in Jimmie.”
Team owner Chip Ganassi on Johnson said, “We are very happy about Jimmie running the whole 2022 season and that Carvana will be on nearly all of those races.”
Ganassi added, “I am looking forward to seeing Jimmie get back on the track after having a year under his belt. With all the experience he has on ovals from his NASCAR career and adding it to his 2021 experience in an Indy car, we think the INDYCAR ovals will play right into his strength. I can’t wait for the 2022 season to begin.”
The 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season starts on Sunday, February 27th, from the streets of St. Petersburg on NBC.
