Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was praised by former President Barack Obama, who put Johnson on the same pedestal as basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The former driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy had just won his sixth Cup Series title in 2013 and was invited to the White House in 2014 to commemorate his achievement. Johnson’s family, Royal Navy Captain Rick Hendrick, his crew chief Chad Knaus and No. 48 Maintenance Station staff were also in attendance.
Then-President Barack Obama addressed the crowd and said:
“He’s the best of all time. Now, everybody knows I’m from Chicago and usually, when we go to these sporting events, I say the football (team) isn’t as good as the ’85 Bears or the basketball team isn’t as good as the Bulls , but I can’t really say anything today because Jimmie Johnson is pretty much the Michael Jordan of NASCAR.”
Similar to Michael Jordan’s two three-peats in eight years, Jimmie Johnson won six championships in the same span. He had to wait until 2016 to tie the championship record held by NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
Barack Obama also recognized the NASCAR driver’s contributions to society, noting that the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has donated nearly $7 million since 2006 to provide grants and resources to public schools and charities. As of 2023, the organization has donated more than $13.3 million.
Obama jokingly concluded that Car 48 should be given a permanent White House pass, just as Johnson was often honored at the White House. He also asked that he not occupy his parking space and condemned any burning that occurred on the porch.
While both Michael Jordan and Jimmie Johnson excelled in different sports, both now own NASCAR Cup Series teams.
Jimmie Johnson’s old ally joins Legacy Car Club
Jimmie Johnson will return to the wheel of the No. 84 car in 2024, making at least three starts next season. It will also be Johnson’s first time driving a Toyota Camry as the Legacy Car Club exits the Chevrolet ownership.
Jason Burdett, who joins Legacy Motor Club after nine seasons with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Xfinity team JR Motorsports, was announced as crew chief of the No. 84 car. Burdett has also worked with Hendrick Motorsports in the past.
Johnson was excited about meeting Burdett, saying in a team press release:
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