Jimmie Johnson Will Retire After 2020 Season

Associated Press Photo

RIS - In a surprise announcement,seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Champion announced today that the 2020 season will be his last season. He announced that 2020 will be the final year he will drive competitively on a full-time basis. He has been racing in NASCAR for 18 seasons and he's looking to win one more championship before he retires.

"I am so thankful for 18 incredible years of racing in NASCAR," Johnson said in a video that he posted on Twitter. "This sport has been good to me and allowed me to do something I truly love. I showed up chasing a dream and achieved more than I ever thought possible. I'm looking forward to next season and celebrating what will be my last year as a full-time NASCAR Cup driver. I know what this team is capable of and I hope 2020 is one of the best yet."

Johnson said he made decision after talking to his family.  Late this year Johnson was asked about his end plans and basically said that he knew car owner Rick Hendrick would be asking the question of how long he would continue to drive the No. 48 Chevrolet.  Altough those close to Johnson said the decision was made a few weeks ago, Johnson made that announcement in a video on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Even though it had been 88 races since his last win (2 years and the last 16 of 2017), he never once proclaimed that he had lost a step in the driver's seat.  Improved finishes in the last half of 2019 gave fans the hope that Johnson would make the playoffs, but it wasn't to be.  

A press conference at 4:00 PM in Concord, NC at Hendrick Motorsports will be held tomorrow, November 21st and more details could come forthcoming.  One thing is certain, there will be a spot waiting for him in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2023.

Ron Fleshman

RIS NASCAR Editor.  Has been with RIS since the middle 90's. Writes on each of the three main series of NASCAR.

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Volume 2019, Issue 11, Posted 9:02 PM, 11.20.2019