Jimmie Johnson will contest not just the Indianapolis 500, but the full NTT IndyCar Series schedule in 2022. (IndyCar Photo)
Jimmie Johnson will contest not just the Indianapolis 500, but the full NTT IndyCar Series schedule in 2022. (IndyCar Photo)
NTT IndyCar Series

Johnson Set For Indy 500, Full IndyCar Schedule

December 15, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS – One of NASCAR’s all-time greatest drivers will compete in the 106th Indianapolis 500 on May 29.
 
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who recently completed his rookie season in the NTT IndyCar Series, made the news official Wednesday morning on NBC’s “TODAY.”
 
In addition to competing in his first Indianapolis 500, Johnson will be a full-time IndyCar Series participant next year. That means he gets the full dose of high-speed ovals, short ovals, street and road courses.
 
“I’m really excited about this next chapter of my career and competing in the No. 48 with Carvana for the 2022 season,” Johnson said. “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. 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.”
 
The NASCAR racing legend, who has 83 Cup Series wins and a record-tying seven Cup Series championships, also unveiled his livery for next season and confirmed Carvana will return as the primary sponsor for his second season of IndyCar action.
 
The American Legion also returns as a major associate sponsor on the No. 48 Honda.
 
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion competed in the 12 road and street circuits on the schedule this year, scoring a career-best finish of 17th at the Long Beach Grand Prix. In August, Johnson tested at Texas Motor Speedway and completed the IndyCar Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway shortly after the season concluded.
 
“We are very happy about Jimmie running the whole 2022 season and that Carvana will be on nearly all of those races,” said team owner Chip Ganassi.  “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.”
 
Carvana has strengthened its commitment with Chip Ganassi Racing this season and will be the primary partner for all but one of the scheduled races, with The American Legion colors on the No. 48 at Iowa Speedway in July.
 
“Chip Ganassi Racing and Jimmie Johnson are ideal partners and we’re excited to watch Jimmie race the full season in 2022,” said Carvana Chief Brand Officer Ryan Keeton.  “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.”