Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has identified Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin as his preferred drivers for a potential crossover into NASCAR, specifically for a third Legacy Motor Club car at road course events. His selections highlight his confidence in their abilities to handle the distinct challenges of NASCAR’s heavier and less aerodynamically dependent cars.
During a recent podcast with Will Buxton and Kevin Harvick, Johnson was asked to name one driver from anywhere in the racing world he would want in a third Legacy Motor Club vehicle for road racing. Without hesitation, Johnson chose Dixon and McLaughlin, reflecting not only their skills on track but also his personal connection to them.
Choosing Skill and Experience Over Celebrity Status
Jimmie Johnson’s role as a team owner requires making strategic decisions about talent recruitment. When pressed on his choice, Johnson emphasized selecting drivers for their car control rather than merely their star appeal. He remarked,
“Yeah. Just, you know, the personal relationship with both really resonates with me. I’m sure there are other names to go to first from like a star power standpoint, but watching Scott Dixon in a historic car and some really fast historic cars and his feel and his comfort of sliding a car around, I think would work well.”
?Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion and Team Owner
Dixon is a six-time IndyCar champion widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, known for his exceptional car handling in diverse conditions. McLaughlin, an aggressive and versatile driver from New Zealand, has made a strong impression in IndyCar since switching from Australian Supercars, complementing Dixon’s style with his adaptability.
Their shared ability to manage cars through sliding and high-speed maneuvering aligns with the demands of NASCAR’s Next Gen vehicles, especially on road courses like the Charlotte Roval or Circuit of The Americas.
Experience Informs Johnson’s Perspective on Crossovers
Having himself competed in IndyCar after retiring from full-time NASCAR racing, Johnson understands the significant differences in vehicle dynamics between the two series. This personal insight shapes his appreciation for drivers who can adeptly handle those distinctions and thrive in multiple racing disciplines.
The concept of an IndyCar driver excelling in NASCAR is increasingly relevant as the NASCAR schedule incorporates more road courses, expanding opportunities for open-wheel specialists to transition into stock car racing. Johnson’s picks underscore an emerging trend of cross-discipline competition gaining momentum in today’s motorsport landscape.
Road Course Expansion Opens Doors for New Talent
Tracks such as Circuit of The Americas, Chicago Street Course, and the Charlotte Roval have made road racing a substantial part of NASCAR’s calendar. This evolution encourages teams like Legacy Motor Club to consider talent skilled in the precise car control required on these circuits, making Johnson’s endorsement of Dixon and McLaughlin strategically fitting.
Legacy Motor Club’s potential addition of these two Kiwi drivers could create a dynamic reshuffle in the garage, combining proven IndyCar expertise with NASCAR’s growing road course presence. Johnson’s thoughtful approach reflects an earnest commitment to blending experience and adaptability to boost his team’s performance.
