It’s a monumental achievement to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. With numerous drivers, crew chiefs and on-air personalities impacting the sport since its inception in 1948, to be enshrined tells a lot about a person’s impact on the sport.
Racing’s other big hall, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, highlights contributions of industry legends from every aspect of racing.
In less than three months, Jimmie Johnson has been inducted into both storied halls of fame.
As if two wasn’t enough, Johnson will also be inducted into a third hall of fame this year, as he’ll enter the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame in June.
On Tuesday, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Florida for his unrivaled career in stock car racing, which was highlighted by 83 Cup Series victories and seven series titles.
In a fast-paced environment that professional racing demands, the 48-year-old felt it wasn’t until recently that he’s been able to enjoy his achievements.
“It’s really reflecting back. Throughout my career, I was so focused on the next race, the next season,” Johnson told SPEED SPORT. “And also I think many racers perform better by not reflecting on the good or bad that’s really happened.
“It’s just eyes forward and continue to march along. Since I’ve stopped full-time racing, certainly stopped NASCAR full-time racing and then have slowed down in ’23 some, it’s allowing me to reflect. I’m really enjoying these moments.”
One thing that stood out to Johnson through his hall of fame induction experience in January was the ramifications of the accomplishment.
“Going into the NASCAR Hall, I knew it was going to be special, but I didn’t realize the magnitude of how special it would be,” Johnson admitted. “That has set me up very well for this experience. I’ve been very excited for this week. And certainly savoring all these moments.”
What makes Johnson’s induction into both hall of fames so unique is he’s still an active driver. While he may not be contending for championships, Johnson is still pursuing victories on a part-time basis in the Cup Series while balancing being a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club.
“I think it’s twofold. I mean, I do feel like younger drivers helped draw a bit more attention, help put more eyeballs on the particular ceremony that’s taking place,” Johnson said.
While he’s been able to relish the moment, Johnson also feels he would’ve been able to cherish the experience more if he’d been inducted at an older age.
“I do feel like if it was 20 years from now, and my opportunity to reflect back on it, it would certainly… and this isn’t in any way, not a respectful way to phrase it, but it would be more meaningful,” Johnson said.
Johnson continued, stating more time away from the cockpit of a race car better helps a driver appreciate the impact they made on the sport.
“It means the world right now,” Johnson said. “I’m absolutely loving this experience. But I think the further you are away from holding the steering wheel, that just deeper reflection that you have, a greater appreciation one will have for their time behind the wheel.”
Johnson’s former teammate during his brief NTT IndyCar Series stint in 2021-’22, Scott Dixon, was also inducted into the hall of fame on Tuesday as he pursues a record-tying seventh IndyCar Series championship.
Notably, Dixon is the only inductee to be born in the 1980s, with Johnson as the only driver inducted that was born in 1975.
“I’m still holding a wheel. Scott Dixon still is holding a wheel. So, we’re at the max of what we can experience in this moment,” Johnson admitted. “But I do think 20 years from now, the moment would have a bit more weight to it.”
Nonetheless, Johnson is maximizing his experiences and taking them in stride.
“The gathering of the motorsports industry that comes here and the quality time that you have with everyone from two wheels to planes, boats, cars, all types of car racing is incredible,” Johnson beamed.
“Storytelling, the camaraderie, the respect everyone shows this event by attending and being here. Just great hang time together is something I remember from two other trips I’ve made but to now be here as an inductee makes it all the more special.”