Tom Brady is set to experience the thrill of IndyCar racing firsthand at this year’s Indy 500, riding shotgun with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson in the Fastest Seat in Sports (FSS) two-seater racecar. As the pair prepare for the high-velocity lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Johnson joked about wanting Brady to “soil his race suit” while reaching speeds close to 200 mph.
The Fastest Seat in Sports has been a celebrated feature at IndyCar events since 2010, giving numerous celebrities and racing enthusiasts a chance to feel what it’s like to pilot an IndyCar around the legendary circuit. This year, Brady joins the exclusive group to get a taste of racing at the iconic venue.
With the start of the Indy 500 only hours away, IndyCar officials made sure that Brady was in expert hands by selecting Johnson to guide the former NFL star around the track safely and with style.
Jimmie Johnson Shares Humorous Aspirations for Brady’s Ride Experience
In a lighthearted moment during the FOX broadcast, Johnson revealed his amusing goals for the lap, acknowledging just how intense the ride could be for someone unaccustomed to open-wheel racing.
“I have three goals, but I think two of them are realistic–one would be crashing just so he could have that full experience, but I don’t think that’s going to be viewed highly. The other two, one would be for him to get sick in the car and the other one would be to soil his suit. Those two are still in play.”
This playful commentary highlights the physical demands and risks associated with riding at such extraordinary speeds, even for a professional athlete like Brady.
Brady’s Concerns and Johnson’s Confidence About the High-Speed Ride
Not everyone is prepared for the extreme conditions faced inside an IndyCar traveling at nearly 200 mph, and Brady reportedly expressed some worries about the speed, motion sickness, and the possibility of an accident. Johnson later shared that Brady had already been texting with concerns before the ride.
“He’s already sent a few text messages worried about speed, an accident, and motion sickness… I’ve been torturing him enough about getting sick, but the chances are quite low.”
Johnson’s remarks suggest confidence that Brady will handle the ride without incident, even as they brace for the physical and mental challenges of the experience.
Anticipation Builds as the 109th Indy 500 Readies to Start
Following the high-octane ride with Johnson, the focus will shift to the main event, as the green flag drops to start the 109th running of the Indy 500. Robert Shwartzman is set to lead the field from the front row alongside Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward, kicking off a grueling 200 laps of intense competition around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This event offers a stark contrast to Brady’s passenger seat adventure, showcasing elite drivers battling for victory in one of motorsports’ most prestigious races.
Significance of the Unique Collaboration Between NASCAR and NFL Legends
The opportunity for Tom Brady to ride with Jimmie Johnson at the Indy 500 highlights a rare crossover between two major American sports icons, bringing attention to the thrilling nature of IndyCar racing. Johnson’s experience and Brady’s athletic background combine to create an intriguing narrative that captivates fans of both NASCAR and the NFL.
As the day progresses, spectators will watch with anticipation not just the legendary race itself but also the memorable collaboration that offers a new perspective on speed, endurance, and the shared spirit of competition across sports.
