Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jimmie Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.
Jimmie Johnson is a highly accomplished American professional auto racing driver, currently competing part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Renowned for his remarkable achievements, Johnson has secured seven Cup championships, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles, placing him alongside Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt as the drivers with the most championships in NASCAR history. His exceptional skill and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in NASCAR.
September 17, 1975: Jimmie Johnson Born
On September 17, 1975, Jimmie Kenneth Johnson was born. He would go on to become a professional auto racing driver and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.
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1980: Started Racing Motorcycles
In 1980, at the age of four, Jimmie Johnson began racing motorcycles, marking the start of his racing career.
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1993: High School Graduation
In 1993, Jimmie Johnson graduated from Granite Hills High School, where he was a varsity water polo player, diver, and swimmer.
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2001: Death of Blaise Alexander
Following the death of NASCAR competitor Blaise Alexander during a racing incident at Charlotte in 2001, Jimmie Johnson's car has had a flame decal with Alexander's initials inside of it at every race.
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October 24, 2004: Martinsville Victory Amidst Tragedy
On October 24, 2004, Jimmie Johnson won the Subway 500 at Martinsville, a victory overshadowed by the tragic plane crash that killed several members of the Hendrick Motorsports family, including Ricky Hendrick and Randy Dorton.
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2004: Hendrick Plane Crash Memorial
In 2004, following the plane crash that killed Ricky Hendrick and nine others, the tail number of the Hendrick plane that crashed was added alongside Blaise Alexander's initials on Jimmie Johnson's car.
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2006: Jimmie Johnson Foundation Launch
In 2006, Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra, launched the Jimmie Johnson Foundation to help children, families, and communities in need.
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December 2007: Exercise Program Commenced
In December 2007, Jimmie Johnson started an exercise program supervised by John Sitaras to improve his strength and balance his body.
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2007: Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes Opening
In 2007, Jimmie Johnson opened Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes in Randleman, North Carolina, a four-lane bowling alley for campers at Pattie and Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp.
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2009: Education Champions Grants Program
During 2009, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation awarded $1.5 million for the Education Champions Grants program, benefiting public schools in California, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
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2010: Education Champions Grants Program (Continued)
In 2010, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation continued the Education Champions Grants program, awarding $1.5 million to public schools in California, Oklahoma, and North Carolina to fund various needs.
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2014: Ban Bossy Campaign Spokesperson
In 2014, Jimmie Johnson joined the Ban Bossy campaign as a spokesperson, advocating for leadership in young girls.
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November 20, 2019: Retirement Announcement
On November 20, 2019, Jimmie Johnson announced that the 2020 Cup season would be his last full-time season of racing.
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2019: Boston Marathon Completion
In 2019, Jimmie Johnson competed in the Boston Marathon, finishing with a time of 3:09:07 and ranking 4,155th overall.
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July 3, 2020: Positive Coronavirus Test
On July 3, 2020, Jimmie Johnson announced he tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing him to miss the Brickyard 400.
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July 8, 2020: Cleared to Return
On July 8, 2020, Jimmie Johnson was cleared to return to racing after testing negative for the coronavirus twice.
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July 28, 2020: IndyCar Test
On July 28, 2020, Jimmie Johnson participated in a test with Chip Ganassi Racing's IndyCar Series team, overseen by Chip Ganassi and Scott Dixon. He called driving an IndyCar a "childhood dream."
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2020: Final Full-Time Season
In 2020, Jimmie Johnson started his final full-time season with a fourth-place qualifying run at the Daytona 500. Throughout the 2020 season, he had some notable moments, including finishing fifth in Las Vegas and seventh at Auto Club Speedway, with his family waving the green flag at the start of the race.
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September 26, 2022: Stepping Back from Full-Time Racing
On September 26, 2022, Jimmie Johnson announced that he would be stepping back from racing full-time.
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November 4, 2022: Ownership Stake and Cup Return
On November 4, 2022, Jimmie Johnson purchased an ownership stake in Petty GMS Motorsports and announced his part-time return to the Cup Series in 2023.
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June 26, 2023: Family Tragedy
On June 26, 2023, Jimmie Johnson's in-laws were involved in a possible murder-suicide in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
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June 27, 2023: Entry Withdrawal
On June 27, 2023, Legacy Motor Club announced they would withdraw Jimmie Johnson's entry from the Chicago street course race due to the tragedy involving his in-laws.
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