MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is returning to compete in the annual Race of Champions event for the first time since 2007.
Johnson, who last year completed his first season racing in the NTT IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing following his retirement from NASCAR, has raced in the Race of Champions multiple times. His most successful endeavor came in 2002 in Gran Canaria, Spain, when he, fellow NASCAR star Jeff Gordon and American MotoGP racer Colin Edwards captured the ROC Nation’s Cup.Â
This year Johnson will be joined by another American racing legend, motorcycle and rally star Travis Pastrana, as they attempt to reclaim the ROC Nation’s Cup for the first time since 2002. Both competitors will also be battling for the overall Champion of Champions crown.Â
“Gran Canaria was dirt, and I don’t think the other guys knew how much dirt racing Jeff and I had in our backgrounds,” Johnson said. “I don’t think many expected me to run well or even knew who I was for that matter. To win the ROC Nation’s Cup, was something really unique. The only event where I represented my country. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot in my career, but that’s the only experience I’ve had like that. I’m really looking forward to returning to ROC and competing with Travis (Pastrana). He’s a tremendous talent and we have such fun competing together.Hopefully we can go have some fun and success on the snow and ice.” Â
This year the ROC World Final will take place in Pite Havsbad, Sweden, and has been dubbed the ROC Snow+Ice World Final as the event will be held on the frozen Baltic Sea 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The event is scheduled to take place Feb. 5-6.