Jimmie Johnson retiring from full-time racing

Seven-time NASCAR champion and recent IndyCar racer Jimmie Johnson said Monday that he plans to retire from racing full-time.

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In an episode of his docuseries, “Reinventing the Wheel,” Johnson said that he still planned to race, “but from a full-time standpoint and what’s required and the energy, effort, time away from home ... all the commitments required to be your best for a full time season — I’m just not there right now.”

“I feel like 2022 checked so many boxes for me, and I had such an incredible time that I’m going to take a deep breath and think hard about what (2023) might look like,” he said. “I really do anticipate racing somewhere next year.”

The 47-year-old emphasized that his decision did not amount to a “goodbye.” In social media posts, he said he plans to continue to “look for new ways to challenge myself and participate in bucket list events.”

“I’ve got a blank sheet of paper, and we can now see what opportunities exist and start making a calendar,” he told The Associated Press.

Johnson is the only NASCAR driver to win five consecutive championships, which he claimed from 2006 to 2010. He retired from full-time NASCAR racing in 2020 following a nearly 20-year career.

He ran his first full-time IndyCar season this year with Chip Ganassi Racing.

In a statement, team owner Chip Ganassi said he fully supported Johnson’s decision.

”He has been a valued member of our team and if we can find a way to continue working together we would like to do so,” he said.

Johnson finished an IndyCar-best fifth at the Iowa Speedway in July.

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