Jimmie Johnson Thrills Indy 500 Racing with NFL Icon Tom Brady

Jimmie Johnson is set to drive the IndyCar two-seater at the 109th Indianapolis 500 this May. He will take NFL legend Tom Brady around the famous oval for the parade laps before the main event.

Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, returns to Indianapolis in a special role after earning the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year title in 2022. Brady, who also has seven Super Bowl victories and a record five Super Bowl MVP honors, will join him as a high-profile passenger for this unique pre-race experience.

The two-seater has been used at major races to give celebrities and sports stars a chance to feel the speed of an IndyCar. Past passengers include MLB star Alex Rodriguez at St. Pete, along with Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Diplo, Mark Wahlberg, and Simu Liu. For more on the history of the IndyCar two-seater program, check out this official IndyCar overview.

For 2025, Brady becomes the latest to join that list, riding with Johnson at a race known for its passionate atmosphere and massive crowds. Johnson expressed his excitement for the opportunity, describing the energy at the Indianapolis 500 as unrivaled in his racing career.

He emphasized how meaningful it is to be part of the pre-race ceremonies at one of motorsport’s most iconic venues and said he feels honored to return. Johnson also pointed out that sharing the experience with Brady, another athlete at the top of his sport, makes this year even more memorable. To learn more about the history and significance of the Indianapolis 500, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official page.

After the parade laps at Indianapolis, Johnson will immediately travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway to compete in the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race. That start will mark his 700th appearance in the Cup Series, adding to a list of achievements that includes 83 Cup Series wins.

He now races part-time and serves as co-owner at Legacy Motor Club, with his most recent race being a third-place finish at the Daytona 500 earlier in the season. This appearance by Johnson and Brady is not quite the “Double” that fellow driver Kyle Larson will attempt, trying to race in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. For more on the challenges of competing in both races, see this NASCAR historical analysis.

Still, it highlights Johnson’s continued dedication to motorsports and his unique ability to bridge the gap between NASCAR and IndyCar. Johnson’s versatility as a driver and Brady’s crossover from football to motorsport create extra buzz around this year’s event.

The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for late May, drawing attention from across the sports world. Fans will watch two legends from different sports share the track, celebrating their careers in a high-speed, high-profile lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For additional details on the event schedule, visit the official Indy 500 event page.

This special pre-race event adds another exciting chapter to the rich tradition of the Indy 500.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.