While the NASCAR Cup Series circuit hasn’t been kind to seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson in a part-time role with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB this season, the legendary driver found victory lane at the Goodwood Revival Festival.
Johnson, piloting a historic Aston Martin DB4 GT, made an incredible move as he climbed from fourth position to the lead in a two-corner section of the course.
7-time NASCAR Champion @jimmiejohnson swapping out his Toyota Camry for an Aston Martin DB4 GT. From fourth to first in just two corners. What a race. #GoodwoodRevival pic.twitter.com/MazXy5fJVr
— Goodwood Revival (@goodwoodrevival) September 7, 2024
After starting the Sterling Moss Trophy event from the ninth position, Johnson would claw his way to the lead by the end of the opening lap of the race.
As it looked like the pairing of Johnson and four-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti had the race all sewed up, a late caution allowed the field one last chance at catching them.
It turned out to be false hope, as Franchitti floored it and secured the win for he and Johnson.
For Johnson, who has accomplished a massive list of accolades throughout his illustrious career, the win at Goodwood was an exciting new first for the native of El Cajon, California.
A lovely moment from @JimmieJohnson after his win in the Stirling Moss Trophy. And @dariofranchitti making sure he’s keeping to #GoodwoodRevival traditions. pic.twitter.com/5Msu3ap0oF
— Goodwood Revival (@goodwoodrevival) September 7, 2024
“This is very special. Oh, and I get a cigar too,” Johnson said as Franchitti was shoving a cigar into his mouth. “This is great. What an honor. This has just been an event that I don’t want to miss. I’ve always dreamed of coming here and competing. My time in the States was quite busy, and I was finally able to come in [20]22. And it is such an incredible race. Big thanks and credit to this team. I kind of scratched the back of it yesterday in the rain and they’ve been able to fix the car and get it back on track. Of course, Dario, just been such a long-time close friend and to share a win together, it’s going to be a fun night.”
The Goodwood Revival is a three-day festival held annually in September, which features racing events with cars produced from 1948 to 1966, which is when the circuit was originally opened to racing activity. The 2.4-mile course is located in Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex in, United Kingdom. The Goodwood Revival festival was added in 1998 following the success of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which features the iconic Goodwood Hill Climb. That event is typically held in June or July.