At the upcoming Indianapolis 500 race weekend, NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson will be behind the wheel of the Indy 500’s fastest seat, an open-wheel two-seater car, with NFL icon Tom Brady riding shotgun. This high-speed experience, set to reach velocities near 200 mph, revives a tradition that began in 2010 when Mark Wahlberg first rode along with Michael Andretti. The event aims to give celebrity guests a raw taste of what professional race car drivers face, far beyond typical pace car rides seen in other motorsports.
Johnson’s extensive background as a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion equips him well for pushing the limits of speed, but for Brady, a five-time Super Bowl winner, this ride is inducing significant nerves. Their friendship, forged through business ties and a shared passion for adventure, adds an intriguing dynamic to this pre-race spectacle. Johnson’s role is not only to drive but to shape the intensity of Brady’s experience.
Jimmie Johnson Shares Anticipation and a Hint of Mischief in Preparing Tom Brady
In an interview with Fox Sports’ First Things First, Johnson expressed excitement and a bit of playful apprehension about Brady’s readiness for the ride. He emphasized the necessity of reaching speeds up to 200 mph on the straights and described the upcoming car shakedown. Despite sensing Brady’s fear, Johnson insisted that the thrill must be authentic.
“Well, they say it’s the fastest seat in the world, something like that, right? So, I would imagine we’ve got to get up to 200 on the straights,”
—Jimmie Johnson
“I’ll be there tomorrow to shake down the car… I sense a little fear, so I can’t decide if I want him to be there or not. I want him in there cold turkey and nervous, but tomorrow I’ll have a better sense of it, but with the headlines of the fastest seat in sports, we got to let it rip.”
—Jimmie Johnson
Johnson’s blend of excitement and caution highlights the uniqueness of this celebrity experience, revealing how raw and intense the ride will be, even for someone as composed as Brady.
Tom Brady’s Concern Over High-Speed Ride and Motion Sickness
While professional race drivers have a natural immunity to the motion and forces experienced at racing speeds, Brady faces unfamiliar challenges such as potential motion sickness and the psychological impact of traveling at 200 mph in an open-wheel car. Johnson acknowledged these worries but remains determined to give Brady an authentic and intense experience rather than a mitigated joyride.
“He’s already sent a few text messages worried about speed, an accident, and motion sickness. So, I have three objectives, well, maybe two. I probably shouldn’t crash in front of the field, but make him sick and make him soil and suit,”
—Jimmie Johnson
The friendly banter between Johnson and Brady underscores the nervous energy surrounding the ride, with Johnson teasing Brady about how the fast-paced thrill might overwhelm his guest.
Safety and Friendship: Johnson Balances Excitement with Responsibility
Despite the playful tone, Johnson emphasized Brady’s safety during their ride. He hopes Brady doesn’t see all the teasing beforehand, trying to keep the nerves in check. Johnson reassured fans that although the ride will be intense and wild, Brady is in capable hands.
“I want him to watch this clip, but I would hate for him to see this because I’ve been torturing him enough about getting sick, but the chances are quite low,”
—Jimmie Johnson
This dynamic highlights the trust between two champions from distinct sports, and the anticipation of watching Brady face unprecedented speed and exhilaration during the event adds a compelling human element to the Indy 500 festivities.
The Impending Challenge: Will Brady’s Calm Hold at 200 MPH?
The upcoming ride pits Johnson’s seasoned driving skills against Brady’s nerves in a crossover moment that fans eagerly await. As two titans of their domains prepare to share this adrenaline-fueled moment, the question remains: will Tom Brady maintain his composure at 200 mph, or will Johnson’s antics and the raw speed prove too much? This high-stakes thrill promises to be an extraordinary addition to the Indianapolis 500 weekend experience.
Jimmie Johnson Denies Retirement Amid Upcoming NASCAR Milestone
As Johnson prepares for the iconic Indy 500 role, he is also on the verge of an important NASCAR milestone – his 700th career start in the Cup Series. Scheduled for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a track where he began his Cup Series journey in 2001, this milestone highlights Johnson’s longevity and success in stock car racing. With 83 career victories and seven Cup championships, Johnson remains a formidable figure in motorsports.
Speculation about his retirement surfaced following a cryptic post on social media, but Johnson quickly dispelled those rumors during a media session at Charlotte.
“Been a long road. Wouldn’t change a mile.”
—Jimmie Johnson
When questioned directly, he was unequivocal about continuing his career.
“No, it was just great editing. Proud of our digital department for doing a great job.”
—Jimmie Johnson
The nebulous nature of his social post initially caused concern among fans, but Johnson clarified that his racing career is far from over.
Challenges Loom for Johnson as Racing Hiatus Ends
Johnson’s recent break from NASCAR competition presents challenges ahead, especially as he returns to race at Charlotte. He acknowledged that taking time away affects his reflexive driving instincts and reaction times, especially during qualifying and the early race stages.
“Yeah, from a driving standpoint, it’s halfway through the race before I stop thinking and just react and drive. And that’s a tough thing to spot the field in qualifying, and half of a race,”
—Jimmie Johnson
“So, that part works against me coming into, especially at a track like Charlotte. Not being in the cars all the time has its consequences.”
—Jimmie Johnson
Despite these difficulties, Johnson’s competitive spirit and professionalism position him to remain impactful in the sport, ready to deliver excitement to fans and maintain his legacy.
Building Anticipation Around the Indy 500 and NASCAR Events
This weekend’s combination of Johnson piloting the fastest seat in the Indy 500 with Tom Brady as his passenger, alongside Johnson’s milestone NASCAR start, has generated considerable anticipation. The crossover appeal of a racing champion partnering with a football legend adds a fresh narrative and an intense human drama to motorsport’s most iconic events. The unfolding story will be watched closely by fans of NASCAR, IndyCar, and the wider sports world, as adrenaline and skill converge under extreme conditions.
