opening practice at Long Beach. Image courtesy of Joe Skibinski / Penske Entertainment
Jimmie Johnson’s status for the remainder of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is unclear.
The 46-year-old California native is awaiting confirmation on the potential injury suffered as a result of a crash in opening practice for the NTT IndyCar Series on Friday afternoon. Johnson was wheeling his No. 48 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda around the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit when he ended up hopping the inside curb into Turn 5, with the momentum carrying him into the outside tire barrier at the corner’s exit. Onboard footage showed his right hand remained on the wheel up to the point of the collision.
Turn 5 strikes again.
This time for @JimmieJohnson at @GPLongBeach.#INDYCAR // #AGPLB
Watch live:@PeacockTV – https://t.co/Py4Niudrrg
INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA – https://t.co/vyuISIyifv pic.twitter.com/b5JE3zTzHT
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 8, 2022
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion shared the latest update via social media, apologizing for missing an autograph signing while also wearing a splint over his right hand and wrist.
“Hey everybody, as you can see I’m a little banged up and have a splint on. First and foremost, apologies to the fans at the autograph session that I wasn’t able to attend. I’d already got something else going on here [acknowledges splint around the hand and wrist].
“I’m on my way to be further evaluated, just to get a good honest look and understand what my options are. We really don’t have any clarity at this point, and I look forward to updating you all very soon.”
Update from Long Beach pic.twitter.com/pRGO2jPLmm
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 9, 2022
