As it turns out, Kyle Larson isn’t going to be the only person doing ‘The Double’ between the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600.
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, isn’t going to be competing in the Indianapolis 500, but he’ll be on-site, contributing the pre-race and in-race coverage of the 108th Running of the prestigious event from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Then, provided things go as planned, Johnson will fly to Charlotte, North Carolina to compete in the Coca-Cola 600, driving the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the longest event of the NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
Johnson, in addition to his Indianapolis 500 broadcasting plans, will serve as an analyst in NASCAR Cup Series events at Daytona International Speedway (August 24) and Talladega Superspeedway (October 6).
The part-time NASCAR Cup Series driver will also contribute to the NBC Sports broadcast in the races he’ll compete in during the second half of the schedule, including the season finale at Phoenix Raceway in November.
“To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor,” said Johnson in a press release. “I was part of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 and it just fueled the fire I needed to make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 one day a reality. Competing in this race as a driver was a chance of a lifetime, so to be able to experience the pageantry again is just so special.
“Even though I’ve never been able to do the ‘double’ as a driver, May 26th is going to be a very busy day. After the broadcast, I’ll fly to Charlotte Motor Speedway and drive in the Coca-Cola 600. I’m so thankful to NBC for the opportunity and continued partnership.”
Johnson is one of the most successful NASCAR drivers in the sport’s history, collecting seven championships and 83 race wins. Earlier this season, the 48-year-old driver was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
After retiring from NASCAR competition, Johnson dipped his toes into IndyCar, spending two seasons competing for Chip Ganassi Racing. In 29 starts, the El Cajon, California-native had a best finish of fifth at Iowa Speedway.
“Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity,” said Sam Flood, lead producer for NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage. “We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘double’ – history awaits.”
Johnson is set to have a busy weekend ahead of him on Memorial Day Weekend, as he runs his NASCAR Cup Series entry in Charlotte, before getting on a plane to contribute to the Indianapolis 500 broadcast on Sunday.
