Jimmie Johnson Opens Up About Nearly Pulling Off ‘The Double’

Jimmie Johnson recently spoke about his close brush with history, revealing he almost attempted “The Double”—racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, shared details ahead of the upcoming races in Charlotte and Indianapolis.

On “Hauler Talk,” the NASCAR Hall of Famer described how he pushed for the challenge during his five-year championship run in the No. 48 Chevrolet. Johnson nearly secured a deal to drive for Penske, but the plan fell through due to manufacturer restrictions and the hesitation of his team owner, Rick Hendrick, at the time.

Johnson said, “It just didn’t seem possible,” despite his childhood dream of competing in both events. The idea of “The Double” has drawn extra attention this year with Kyle Larson preparing to become the fifth driver to attempt the feat. For more on the history of “The Double,” see this detailed overview from NASCAR.

Johnson, who debuted in the Indy 500 in 2022, admitted he still felt a sense of unfinished business after his first run at Indianapolis. However, as his focus shifted to becoming a part-time driver and co-owner at Legacy Motor Club, Johnson decided to step away from a possible second attempt.

He mentioned that while he had offers to return to the 500, his responsibilities with the team made it clear that his attention was needed off the track. Johnson said, “I just think that door is shut for me and my time needs to be spent elsewhere.”

This week, Johnson’s schedule is packed. He will make his 700th Cup Series start during Coke 600 qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway before traveling to Indianapolis.

There, he will meet with six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon and give seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady a ride in a two-seater IndyCar during parade laps at the 109th Indianapolis 500. Johnson and Brady have shared a friendly rivalry ever since Johnson’s crash and 28th-place finish in the 2022 Indy 500, with lighthearted teasing over a text thread.

Brady is both excited and a bit nervous about the high-speed ride, with Johnson joking he plans to make the experience even more thrilling. Johnson remains a strong supporter of Larson’s upcoming “Double” attempt.

He believes a successful run—especially a win at one or both events—would greatly benefit motorsports in the United States, even saying he’d enjoy seeing Larson win at Indy and finish second in a Legacy Motor Club car at Charlotte. According to Johnson, such a result would give racing in the U.S. a major headline, drawing new fans and raising the sport’s profile. For more on the impact of motorsports in the U.S., check out this study from the University of North Carolina.

Beyond his on-track activities, Johnson discussed his transition into team ownership at Legacy Motor Club, his new podcast “Never Settle” with Marty Smith, and the weight of making his 700th Cup Series start. He also reflected on his connection to late seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt and discussed ongoing competition topics in NASCAR such as rule enforcement and future race schedules. For deeper insights into NASCAR’s rulebook, visit the official NASCAR rules portal.

As Johnson takes on his dual roles as a driver and owner, his commitment to the sport remains clear. He values his growing responsibilities with Legacy Motor Club and balances them with racing milestones.

Fans can watch Johnson race at Charlotte Motor Speedway or follow his Indy 500 appearance alongside Tom Brady. This year’s events promise memorable moments as Johnson continues to shape his legacy on and off the track. For more insight into his career and ambitions, see the full Jimmie Johnson story.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.