NASCAR
Can Jimmie Johnson Return to Form at Indianapolis?
Entering this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson will be looking to snap a 48-race winless streak. This is the longest such streak in the 7-Time Champion’s career. It has easily been Johnson’s worst season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in his storied career. It’s not as if it has been a season with bad luck for Johnson either. The performance for the #48 team has just not been there as a whole. Through 25 races this year, Johnson has just 2 top-5s, 8 top-10s, 29 laps led, and an average finish of 17.1. By both the eye-test and statistically it has been by far the worst season of his career. An end to this slump for the 48 does not appear to be in sight. However, the Brixkyard 400 could be Jimmie Johnson’s saving grace.
Jimmie Johnson’s Impressive Indy Resume
However, with that being said, Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a great track for Johnson throughout his career. Jimmie Johnson has kissed the bricks on 4 different occasions, which is the 2nd most only behind Jeff Gordon. Triumphs in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2012 give him double the wins at Indy over any other active driver. To go along with his 4 wins at The Brickyard, Johnson also has a 2nd in 2013 and a 3rd in 2016. There is no question that whenever the Cup Series is at Indy, Johnson is a threat.
Rising to the Occasion
If his resume at Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t enough to convince you he’s a threat, then you should look no further than his stats in NASCAR’s Crown Jewel races. These race consist of the Daytona 500, Southern 500, Coca-Cola 600, and the Brickyard 400. Johnson has won these races a combined 12 times throughout his career. If that’s not impressive enough, consider the fact he is one of just 4 drivers to win all 4 events. It proves that Johnson rises to the occasion in the biggest moments and this Sunday is certainly a big stage. With this being the final race before the Playoffs, look for Johnson to make a statement that he will not go away quietly.
Photo credit to Theresa Earnheart via Flickr.
