MONTERY, Calif. – Jimmie Johnson announced Friday that sponsor Carvana has agreed to sponsor next year’s racing efforts, and the seven-time NASCAR champion will use the next few weeks to determine his 2023 schedule.
Johnson just a week ago said he was still seeking funding for a full IndyCar season. But he also can’t wait to see IndyCar’s upcoming schedule because he wants to be part of a special NASCAR project to bring Hendrick Motorsports into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
He hasn’t closed down to run another NASCAR race someday, and he explained at Laguna Seca Raceway that he has many offers to compete in a variety of motorsport series.
“The good news is that Carvana has always supported me in whatever I choose to do,” Johnson said. “They support my desire to be with me in whatever option I choose in 2023.”
Johnson has been trying to be patient for months as he awaits a funding decision. He spent almost his entire NASCAR career with a sponsor until Lowe left the sport and Ally began the final two years of Johnson’s career.
He has decided to retire from NASCAR after the 2020 season and pursue his childhood dream of competing in IndyCar. He found Carvana on his own and funded Chip Ganassi Racing, where Johnson spent his first season running only IndyCar’s ovals and roadways.
It’s been a tough learning curve for the NASCAR champion, and this year he added the Indianapolis 500 and the rest of the ovals in his first full IndyCar season. He played very well on the ovals and flashed in his first Indy 500 by revving more than 240 mph in qualifying.
Although he still struggled on the tracks and the streets, he played pretty well on the ovals and led 21 laps at the Iowa Speedway. He finished fifth and sixth on the IndyCar ovals in Texas and Iowa.
After announcing that Carvana would be behind him next year, Johnson said he did not know at this stage what kind of racing would be involved.
“I wish I had more to share. I don’t,” he said. “I need to explore the options I have ahead of me. I need to look inside myself and see what my goals are. I’m just taking a moment. I don’t know what my IMSA plan is. ; I don’t I don’t know what my IndyCar plan is; I want to go to Le Mans.
“The whole process just takes time, I need to think about it, see what Team Johnson thinks and talk to the girls. [Johnson and his wife, Chandra Janway, have two daughters]but the good news is Carvana, they want to stay. “
