Jimmie Johnson entered the racing world at a young age. He got on a 50cc motorcycle at age four and just four years later, he had won the 60cc category motocross championship. He later went from two wheels to four and competed in some off-road leagues. He has been winning championships since he was eight years old. In 1998 Johnson began competing in the Busch Series and participated in three events. His best result was 15th. That year he joined the American Speed Association circuit and was awarded the Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year award, finishing fourth in points. In 2001, Johnson began to get some attention and people began to see him as a young man at the top of his game.
At the recommendation of Jeff Gordon, Mr. Rick Hendrick offered Jimmie a deal with Hendrick Motorsports. He made his first three races in the Winston Cup in 2001 and earned his first career victory in the Busch Series. In 2002, Johnson had a great rookie season. He had three wins, including a sweep at Dover, becoming the first rookie to win both races at one track. He was the only driver to finish in the top five in his first five Nextel Cup seasons. Jimmie Johnson has competed full time since 2001. During that time, his worst finish at the end of the season was fifth and he has won two championships and has been runner-up twice. 2006 was a wonderful year for Jimmie. He racked up a win at Daytona, Allstate 400 at Brickyard, Aaron’s 499 and won the NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship. In 2007 he won the title by a 77-point margin; that’s the largest margin since the Chase for the Nextel Cup began in 2004. This year Jimmie Johnson is off to another great start.
Author born: September 17, 1975
Place of birth: El Cajon, CA
Residence: Mooresville, NC
Sponsor: Lowe’s
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Car Owner: Jeff Gordon / Rick Hendrick
Team: Rick Hendrick Motorsports
Team Leader: Chad Knaus
Favorite tracks: California, Dover, Chicago
Awards:
2007 Sprint Cup Champion
2006 Sprint Cup Champion
2006 Daytona 500 Winner
2006 Allstate 400 in the Brickyard Winner
1998 ASA Rookie of the Year
Off-road Championships at SODA, SCORE International and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group
Wins: 33
Top 10: 133
Poles: 13
