Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will make history on Sunday, May 26 as he will become the first driver in history to call the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in the afternoon and then compete in the Coca-Cola 600 that night in NASCAR. Johnson is no stranger to the Greatest Spectacle In Racing having served as an analyst for the race in 2021 and also competing in the race for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2022.
He will also serve as an analyst on NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Superspeedway on Aug. 24 and the YellaWood 500 from Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, one of three playoff races in the Round of 12. In addition, Johnson will contribute to NBC Sports’ coverage for select NASCAR races in which he is competing this year, including the NASCAR Cup Series Championship from Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.
Speaking about experiencing The Greatest Spectacle In Racing from the broadcasting side, Johnson said:
“To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor. “I was part of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 and it just fueled the fire I needed to make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 one day a reality. Competing in this race as a driver was a chance of a lifetime, so to be able to experience the pageantry again is just so special. Even though I’ve never been able to do the ‘double’ as a driver, May 26th is going to be a very busy day. After the broadcast, I’ll fly to Charlotte Motor Speedway and drive in the Coca-Cola 600. I’m so thankful to NBC for the opportunity and continued partnership.”
NBC’s Motorsports Producer, Sam Flood said:
“Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity. “We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘double’ – history awaits.”
The opening day of practice for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is currently under a weather delay but Jimmie Johnson’s former Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon in the No.9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda is the early pace-setter with a 229.107MPH.