Scott Dixon has expressed high regard for Jimmie Johnson’s abilities during Johnson’s brief stint in IndyCar, despite Johnson last driving an Indy car almost three years ago. Dixon, a six-time IndyCar champion and Johnson’s teammate at Chip Ganassi Racing in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, applauded Johnson’s unique driving style that stood out on the track.
Johnson’s IndyCar record includes one top-five and one top-10 finish in 29 career starts over his two part-time seasons, a modest record that might seem underwhelming at first glance. However, his fifth-place finish at Iowa Speedway in 2022 caught Dixon’s attention, not only because of the result but also due to Johnson’s distinct approach behind the wheel, which carried over elements from his NASCAR background.
How Johnson’s Driving Style Captivated Dixon
During an episode of ESPN’s Never Settle podcast, hosted by Marty Smith, Dixon recounted his first impression of Johnson racing at Iowa. He described Johnson’s maneuvers that involved shifting frequently between the high and low lines on the track, a technique that was unusual for IndyCar drivers.
“Well, I think he did a hell of a job,”
Dixon said.
The first time I saw Jimmie, and I was like, ‘Man, this guy is crazy.’ It was at Iowa. You were up on the high line and then kinda down on the bottom.”
“You were all over the place and I said, ‘Man, I’ve never seen anybody do this before in this category,’ and it was so impressive to watch. I know if you’d stayed after for at least one more season, you were going to get some crazy-good result.”
Johnson, who was approaching 47 when he competed in his last IndyCar race and will turn 50 this September, decided it was time to step away from open-wheel racing. He cited having given IndyCar his best effort and shifting focus toward his role as part-owner and operator of Legacy Motor Club, formerly known as Petty GMS Motorsports.
“We knew more time would have helped but I was just at a point where I was ready to move on,”
Johnson shared.
“But I wish I would have come to IndyCar sooner. The time at CGR with you guys, I will forever cherish. We had so much damn fun.”
Dixon responded with a lighthearted remark:
“Let’s just say I’m glad you didn’t come to IndyCar sooner or earlier.”
Shared Reflections on Racing Safety
The conversation between Dixon and Johnson also turned to the serious topic of safety in motorsports, recognizing the inherent dangers every driver faces. Dixon recalled his experiences with the loss of teammates, including Tony Renna, who died in a 2003 tire test accident at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I love driving, but unfortunately I’ve had teammates that have passed (away),”
Dixon said.
“My first initiation of that was Tony Renna. Sometimes (it) lingers in the back of your head. Yes, we have some of those check moments. It’s not a single thing you ever want to see in our sport. Maybe I’m crazy, but you never think it’s going to happen to you. For me, doing what I love far outweighs not doing it.”
Johnson recognized the same mindset among drivers, admitting the challenge of reconciling risk with passion, especially as personal circumstances shift with age and family.
“You just don’t think it’s going to happen to you, wrong or right,”
Johnson said.
“Then you have these moments that are scary and you’re just wired to brush it off. When you have kids and get older, it’s a little different. You just have this ‘It’s not gonna happen to me’ mentality.”
Johnson’s NASCAR Return Following IndyCar Experience
After compiling 83 wins in his NASCAR Cup Series career and retiring officially in 2020, Johnson shifted briefly to IndyCar for two part-time seasons, before returning to NASCAR competition. Over the past three years, he has taken part in 14 races, including two early in this current season.
His February performance in the Daytona 500, where he finished third, demonstrated that his competitive edge remains intact. Johnson is a two-time winner of the prestigious Daytona 500, having won it in 2006 and again in 2013, underscoring his enduring talent on the oval track.
The Enduring Impact of Johnson’s IndyCar Tenure
Scott Dixon’s praise for Jimmie Johnson highlights the adaptability and skill Johnson brought to IndyCar, despite a late start in the series and relatively brief tenure. Johnson’s unconventional driving style earned respect from one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers and hinted at untapped potential had he continued. Their candid discussion on racing safety also serves as a sobering reminder of the risks in motorsports and the mindset drivers must adopt.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s ongoing NASCAR participation and leadership role with Legacy Motor Club suggest he remains deeply connected to the racing world, while Dixon continues to be a dominant figure in IndyCar. Their mutual respect reflects the cross-disciplinary admiration shared among motorsport competitors, enriching the sport for fans and participants alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Scott Dixon go to F1?
A. Dixon chose not to agree to a long-term deal with the team. This decision allowed him to move to Formula 1 if he caught the attention of teams during testing. After finishing in the top ten in two out of his first three races at Monterrey and Motegi, PWR faced financial issues and had to shut down.
