Jimmie Johnson Buys Stake in Petty GMS, Preps for Daytona 500

After Jimmie Johnson introduced his semi-retirement from motorsport after two less-than-stellar years within the IndyCar sequence, it was fairly clear the California legend can be sticking it out in motorsport in some type or style. Now, Johnson has confirmed that he has bought an possession stake within the Petty GMS workforce and that this stake will permit him to compete in numerous NASCAR Cup Collection races in 2023 — together with the Daytona 500.

Proper now, Petty GMS fields the Nos. 43 and 42, piloted by Erik Jones and Ty Dillon, respectively. Noah Gragson can be changing Dillon for the 2023 season, and the workforce will enter a 3rd automobile for Johnson at choose occasions subsequent yr. He’ll be beginning with the Daytona 500; that begin can be his twentieth within the Cup Collection’ opening race.

“It’s nice to be again in NASCAR,” Johnson stated in a launch. “When the INDYCAR season ended I began on this journey of what was subsequent. Maury and I related, this chance got here to gentle and it’s the proper match for me. Workforce possession makes a lot sense at this stage of my profession and after spending time with Maury and his household, speaking with Mike (Beam), Dave (Elenz, crew chief of the No. 43) and Joey (Cohen, Director of Competitors and Engineering), I spotted this was one thing I wished to be concerned with from each the enterprise perspective and on the competitors facet. If I’m going to decide to one thing like this, I wish to make a distinction and have one thing tangible to point out for it when it’s all stated and finished. So, this chance with Petty GMS is all of that and far more.”

Johnson’s begin within the 500 would be the first time in his profession that he has entered a NASCAR Cup Collection race behind the wheel of a non-Hendrick automobile. That additionally signifies that it’s extremely seemingly he received’t be working his iconic No. 48, since in NASCAR, sure groups have staked their declare on sure numbers. The 48 has been a part of the Hendrick camp for ages, and whereas Johnson can petition to convey that quantity over to Petty GMS, this can be the primary yr of his Cup Collection profession that he competes with one thing aside from the 48.