NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson Tests Positive For COVID-19; Justin Allgaier To Fill In
NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of this weekends Brickyard 400. The 7-time champion was slated to make his final appearance at Indianapolis on Sunday. Johnson reports that he is asymptomatic but got tested when his wife showed positive for the virus with allergy-like symptoms.
Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive for COVID-19.
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier will fill in for Johnson this weekend in Indianapolis.
Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR have released statements on the news.
Statement From Hendrick Motorsports:
This afternoon, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson tested positive for COVID-19. He will miss Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will not return to competition until being cleared by a physician.
Johnson, 44, has not experienced symptoms of COVID-19. He was tested upon learning this morning that his wife, Chandra, tested positive after experiencing allergy-like symptoms.
In Johnson’s absence, Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Hendrick Motorsports on Sunday at Indianapolis.
Hendrick Motorsports has implemented detailed procedures to protect the health of its team members. They include daily COVID-19 screenings at the team facilities; the separation of facility operations and traveling personnel; split work schedules; stringent face covering and social distancing requirements; and an increased level of disinfecting and sanitization of all work areas.
“Jimmie has handled this situation like the champion he is,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “We’re relieved he isn’t showing symptoms and that Chani is doing great, and we know he’ll be back and ready to go very soon. It’s going to be difficult for him to be out of the car and away from his team, but it’s the right thing to do for Jimmie and everyone involved.”
Jimmie Johnson Statement:
“My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates,” Johnson said. “I’ve never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it’s going to be very hard to watch from the sidelines when I’m supposed to be out there competing. Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I’m going to come back ready to win races and put ourselves in playoff contention.”
Johnson was in constant communication with Hendrick Motorsports before and after being tested for COVID-19. The team immediately informed NASCAR and has been coordinating with the sanctioning body. As a precaution, it has also identified one member of the No. 48 traveling crew to self-quarantine due to close contact with the driver.
Statement From NASCAR:
“Following the guidelines outlined in the Event Operations Protocol manual, Jimmie Johnson has alerted NASCAR that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
“NASCAR has outlined the steps for Johnson’s return, in accordance with the CDC’s current guidelines, which includes that Johnson is symptom free and has two negative COVID-19 test results, at least 24 hours apart. NASCAR requires Johnson to be cleared by his physician before returning to racing.
“Jimmie is a true battle-tested champion, and we wish him well in his recovery. NASCAR has granted Jimmie a playoff waiver, and we look forward to his return as he races for an eighth NASCAR Cup Series championship.”
Written by Noah Lewis
Be sure to follow us on YouTube and Twitter.
Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter.
Photo credit to NASCARMedia.
