Jimmie Johnson, one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers with seven Cup Series championships, recently discussed his go-to drink following race wins, highlighting the Jimmie Johnson post-win beverage tradition. Johnson revealed that he enjoys an ice-cold beer paired with pizza, notably favoring pineapple as a topping despite the common debate around it.
His impressive career was largely defined by driving the #48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, where he notched 83 victories—tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth all-time. After retiring from full-time racing in 2020, Johnson transitioned to a part-time role with Legacy Motor Club in 2023 while also serving as a co-owner.
Insights from Johnson’s Never Settle Podcast on Food and Drink Rituals
During an episode of his Never Settle podcast, Johnson responded to a question from his co-host, Marty Smith, about his preferred refreshment after winning races. The 49-year-old driver reminisced about post-race flights where pizza was a staple.
“For whatever reason, the flights home, we always had pizza. I’m a big fan of Canadian bacon and pineapple on a pizza. There are mixed opinions on that. But I’m a pineapple guy on my pizza and a Bud Light,” Johnson said.
He further described the simple pleasure of combining these flavors after a long, hot day in the car.
“I just have a cold beer, Bud Light… Coors Light, whatever was in the cooler on the way back. Something about a hot day in the car, a slice of pizza, and an ice-cold beer that really hit well,” he added.
Career Highlights and Return to NASCAR
Johnson’s final Cup Series victory came in 2017 at Dover International Speedway. He stepped away from full-time competition three years later due to several factors, including changes to racing formats and financial difficulties facing many drivers.
After exploring a brief spell in the IndyCar Series, Johnson returned to NASCAR in 2023 as a part-time driver of the #84 Toyota Camry for Legacy Motor Club, a team he also co-owns. Earlier this year, he secured a third-place finish at the prestigious Daytona 500, marking his best performance as a part-time competitor.
Legacy Motor Club’s Ambitious Growth Plans
Looking ahead, Johnson outlined his vision for Legacy Motor Club’s expansion. The team aims to add a third car to its lineup, an increase that Johnson believes will help optimize performance, resources, and profitability within NASCAR’s ecosystem.
Speaking to Paul Tracy on The RACER Channel, Johnson emphasized the importance of steady development and growth.
“Focus on building the team and getting it right. We also want to expand to a third car so that we can maximize everything within the NASCAR ecosystem.”
In addition to expanding the Cup Series presence, Johnson also highlighted the team‘s strategy to cultivate future talent through a comprehensive driver development program spanning Xfinity, Trucks, Trans Am, and karting levels.
“From there, we need to think of our driver pipeline and how we’re going to bring along future drivers for Legacy Motor Club. Is that Xfinity, Trucks, Trans Am, down to karting… like where do we start.”
Current Team and Performance Outlook
Legacy Motor Club currently fields full-time drivers John Hunter Nemechek in the #42 Toyota Camry and Erik Jones in the #43 car. The team, based in Statesville, has demonstrated marked improvement this season, with both drivers positioned to qualify for the coveted top 16 playoff slots, underscoring the organization’s growing competitiveness.
The Significance of Johnson’s Legacy and Future Direction
Jimmie Johnson’s reflections on his post-win routines and the growth plans for Legacy Motor Club underscore his ongoing passion and commitment to NASCAR. His ability to balance part-time driving with team ownership allows him to shape the sport’s future while continuing to compete at a high level. The ambition to expand the team and develop emerging drivers signals a strategic vision that could influence NASCAR’s competitive landscape for years to come.
