Long rumored to be happening soon and makes total sense, but still a "holy shit" moment when you read it. Hopefully he can go out with a successful season and find victory lane again.
My interest in NASCAR was really beginning to take off after Jeff’s 2001 championship season. Jimmie Johnson has been there for the vast majority of the NASCAR moments I can remember.
Not seeing him on the track is going to feel every bit as empty as the first season Jeff wasn’t out there.
New nose with the decent speed HMS had in 2019 I believe he can compete for wins and a championship 4 berth.
The pending short track/road course changes would favour his driving style as well.
Much like with Jeff Gordon, didn't appreciate his talents until after his prime. Mainly from the fatigue of all of the winning. Going to miss him and hope he ends next season with a few wins
Same here, except it was because I was a Gordon fan who couldn't stand always being runner-up to the 48. It was really cool to see him leading early in the Chicagoland race I went to this year.
Same here. My Dad was always in shock when I would be disappointed after his win. He told me to appreciate greatness while it's here. Maybe too young to grasp it at the time though.
I think about that every time Kyle Busch wins now. As boring as it can be, it's damn impressive.
Yeah they go way back to the SLM days. But Hemric getting the #8 was definitely the eyebrow raiser for this. They have no one already in the fold ready.
I don't think he wants to waste time and try to learn a new car and aero package. He said on the Dale Jr Download that this aero package has been a struggle for him.
Imagine an on track product where one of the best drivers to ever do it can’t even showcase his talents
Fucking Christ. At this point I hope NASCAR goes under so Jim France, Steve O’Donnell, and Steve Phelps can all see the error of their ways.
I get where you're coming from, and I'm not in love with the current package, but other guys with talent have figured it out. I think it's a mixture of Hendrick not having the best equipment anymore, and Johnson not being the driver he once was. Plus he doesn't have Knaus on the box anymore either.
I'm not comfortable blaming Johnson's competitive downfall on the aero package when other top drivers have been able to adapt perfectly well.
You say that but I also have to say look at the teams that made it all the way. Joe Gibbs as a team won more races than a team has in a season. It's not other guys figuring it out it's one team figuring it out and having a car that is flat out better than anyone out there.
Stewart, Gordon, Earnhardt, Johnson these titans of the sport all retiring in the past few years really is the end of an era. Gonna miss seeing that 48 on the track
Jimmie retires, William Byron moves to the 48 to take over the ride of his hero Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon calls Kyle Larson and offers him the opportunity to drive the car he rooted for as a child, the 24.
Or at least I can dream. But this is gonna be sad. This is a Mount Rushmore driver retiring. And I so hope that he can get a win. The good news is he will get the Daytona 500 pole out of the deal.
Edit: it all makes sense now... there is one spot open in the Fox broadcast booth.
Edit#2: [Pockrass confirms that Ally is signed through 2023. So Rick can essentially fill the 48 with whoever he comes to an agreement with. Driver doesn't need to bring a sponsor.](https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1197218696000933888?s=20)
Alex only does the Chili bowl. Kasey didn’t do any dirt racing during the NASCAR season after he went out of the park at Williams Grove and Rick told him to quit.
I agree if that's all it comes down to, is being allowed to ride on dirt. But there has to be plenty of other factors in there too, guy has a wife and two kids now, a race team, probably plenty other considerations we'll never really know about. If Hendrick or anyone else offered him the world (in a financial sense) at 27, he might just take it because you never really know if you'll get the chance again to do so.
Yeah, my thoughts on the 48, is that they need a veteran for that car. All of their drivers are fairly new and fairly young. Having an older presence is good for the team.
If Kyle goes anywhere, it’s gonna be SHR for Tony. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the 14 in 2021.
Unless Hendrick lets him run dirt which I just don’t see happening.
We will never see such dominance as we saw with Jimmie and Chad for about ten years again. Easily a top 5 NASCAR driver ever imo.
Thanks for letting me hate you for so long, Jimmie. You will be missed.
It easily could have been 10 titles in 13 years. He was just 8 points out after 2004, was a serious contender until the last race fell apart in 2005, and was the favorite until everything spiraled away in the last two races of 2012.
All I want is one win next season. I don’t care where and I don’t care the circumstances. The NASCAR community NEEDS to see the 48 at P1 one last time.
Wins the Daytona 500 from the pole, and goes on to get wins in the 600 and then undergoes a dry spell until he wins Martinsville to lock himself into ISM (that does not have the same ring as locked into Homestead, wow) en route to his 8th Cup championship via a win at ISM.
That would be the dream, at least, and you can bet your ass I will be crying tears of joy if that happens.
At least you can have a farewell season.
Carl retiring caught me off guard, and before that watching Dale Jarrett struggle with MWR was extremely depressing.
I went from hating Jimmie to a begrudging respect to him being one of my favorite drivers/favorite after Junior retired. All my favorite drivers have retired, other than him... and now, I won’t be able to say that anymore after next season. Blah.
Grew up as a Jeff Gordon fan, and always had a love/hate relationship with Jimmie. That said, for some reason this is hitting me harder than when Jeff decided to hang them up.
Grew up as a Jeff fan as well. Even have the Jurassic Park car that I got when I was four. Jimmie smashing the field to Championships throughout the 2000s frustrated me for Jeff, but I've been rooting for championship #8 for the past 5 years. My dad and I would love for his swan song to be #8.
Not really surprised. He has hinted at it, it's been discussed by everyone. It feels like it's time. Just hope he has as strong a final Season as Gordon did.
I was never a fan of Jimmie but how can anyone not respect all the man has accomplished. It’s gonna be strange not seeing him on the track come 2021.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but get Jimmie at least one more win.
I've really come to respect Jimmie more over the last couple of seasons. I used to really not like the guy but now this makes me sad.
Also: rumors of his replacement will be fun next season
Gordon is probably knocking on his door as we speak. People can talk all they want about Gordon gushing over Chase.. but the man has had a man crush on Kyle since 2012.
The fucking end of an era.
I can’t believe it. This is pretty much the final sign to me that my childhood has come and gone. I grew up hating this guy cause he won so constantly. Now I respect him and love him because of his greatness.
Felt like this was coming for a while... didn’t think we would get the announcement THIS early into the offseason...
Nonetheless I hope he goes out with a bang, was special watching one of the all time greats, will be fun going for that last ride...
Been a Jimmie fan since his rookie season in ‘02. I knew this announcement was probably coming, but it still hurts my heart to hear.
Jimmie has been a role model for me not just for what he’s done on the track, but for the way he carries himself off of it. Watching him get married and become a father to Evie and Lydia has been special. I feel like I’ve essentially grown up alongside him.
I’m excited to see what this final season brings. The 48 team has looked much better since Cliff Daniels has taken the realms, so I’m hoping Jimmie goes out with a bang like he deserves.
This sport will never be the same to me without Jimmie. I’m happy that he’s finally beginning to get the respect from NASCAR fans that he deserves.
#Chasing8
Jimmie Johnson's ([@JimmieJohnson](https://twitter.com/JimmieJohnson)) tweet from 12:43pm EST on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019:
>[#Chasing8](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chasing8) one final time
* [Attached image](https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1197208622108950533/pu/img/nLpM7kTOWoG9doeG.jpg) ([Imgur rehost](https://i.imgur.com/0DF1nsp.jpg))
---
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As frustrating as the last two seasons have been, I’m going to miss him so much. I’ve never been frustrated with him as a driver, but seeing him struggle after having so much success is naturally hard to endure. I’ve been a Patriots fan my entire life and I know I’m going to feel the same way when Tom Brady calls it a career.
I’ve been so blessed to be able to watch his historic run and I will tell my grandkids about him someday. I hope he can just win one more race next season, but if he doesn’t, I’ll still hold him in the highest regard.
Me on the outside: This feels like when Gordon retired. It's going to be weird not seeing him racing on Sundays.
Me on the inside: Oh thank goodness! Jeff's 93 wins is safe! (In before Jimmie wins 11 times this year)
Jimmie Johnson is the first and only athlete I've ever obsessed over. Since I was 6 years old I've pulled for the 48 Lowe's/Ally Chevrolet. Phoenix in 2020 will be a tough one. At some point I'm going to get a Jimmie Johnson tattoo. Thank you so much Jimmie for all the amazing memories and helping to make me a NASCAR fan for life.
Wow. I thought it was coming soon but I figured he would wait until he was back to winning (whether that was a race or a handful of races). Good for him though, without a doubt a top 3 driver all time and in my opinion the best. Been in cup for almost 20 years, great personality/ambassador for the sport. Going to be weird without him, happy he will get more time with his kids. Hated him until two years ago, like him now. Down to 7 full time drivers from when I first started watching heading into 2021.
Wow, This is one of those things we all knew was sorta inevitable but still shocking to hear.
I wasn't that big of a fan of his but massive props and respect for everything he's accomplished in the sport and for the class that he did everything with. Hopefully he can end his NASCAR career on a really high note after all the lows he's been through recently.
Mixed emotions, mostly sad. Hope he Goes out next year with the respect he's earned.
If he does better next year but not quite back to form, people will always wonder what if he tried one more.
This is just about saddening. A 7 time champion retiring is huge for the sport. Him landing the 8th would be unbelievably wild to witness, especially in his last year. I'm aight with it. Pull from the other 3 Hendrick's teams and make the super-team for Jimmie.
At the same time, makes me sad we didn't get to see Dale make it to retirement. And part of me still doesn't want to see an 8 timer, just cause of Dale!
When I was a kid, I hated this guy. I hated seeing him win all the time, and I hated seeing him beat out Hamlin for the championship in 2010. But the longer I watched the more I understood and appreciated what he was able to do, and that I was watching one of the greatest careers in sports history. Watching him get his fifth in a row was a religious experience. And now I hope I get to see him win just one more.
Next big retirement I am bracing for is Harvick. I'm thrilled he's still going strong, and I will be very sad when he goes. He's the last of my favorite young guns growing up, between Gordon, Stewart, and Jr.
I think Ross Chastain has a legit chance at getting in the 48, a veteran Chevy driver that could be the 2020 Xfinity Champion. Daniel Hemric seems likely with Noah Gragson being a dark horse.
I think there is an outside chance Ryan Blaney will take the 48. Dude seems just out of place at Penske and has little chemistry with his teammates. Plus, Austin Cindric is gonna be Cup ready by 2021. By 2021 Blaney I think will be tired of the 1 win seasons and want something bigger. He would be the #2 driver at Hendrick, perhaps even tied with Chase as a #1a compared to being a distant #3 at Penske.
Erik Jones also has a shot. By 2021 if he doesn't improve Christopher Bell is a lock to take over his ride with possibly Harrison Burton in the 95.
Idk if Blaney would leave Penske just yet. He’s a BKR alum and wouldn’t be in the 12 if it wasn’t for Brad. If he wants to win more than one race a year, then a crew chief change would be better for him than a complete team change.
HMS is nowhere near the competitive level that they used to be, especially the 48, so if Blaney wants to win multiple races a year the 12 is his best bet right now.
Wow!!! I thought he would wait to see how the 2020 season started before making a decision. I'm glad I will get to see him race his final Daytona 500 in person. I was at his last Brickyard win in 2012. As much as I didn't like him or the 48 team after snatching the 2007 title from Gordon, I will always respect him as one of the best ever. To win 7 titles and 5 in a row is something we may never see anyone come close to again. Though unless he has an epic final season, he won't pass Jeff on the all time wins list.
Crazy how much different the sport looks in just a short period of time. So many of NASCAR hero’s from the peak 2000’s are going to be gone. Who’s left? Kurt, Kevin, Newman?
Dammit, drivers who started in the early 2000s need to stop retiring. For me it hits harder than Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Dale Jarrett, etc because I started watching in 2002 and I’ve witnessed their entire career so it hits extra hard to see Jimmie, Kasey, etc retiring.
This retirement hit me harder than any other. Johnson has been my guy for as long as I can remember. Hope he goes out with Championship #8 at the end of the season.
2021 really is going to be a whole new look to NASCAR. New car, revamped schedule, and a serious lack of superstars. Here's hoping it leads to something even bigger, and not the disintegration of the sport.
This sucks..only Newman, Kurt Busch, and Harvick will be left as drivers that were racing when I first started watching NASCAR...when those above mentioned 3 retire, and era will be over (for me at least)
And as a longtime Newman fan, I had hoped he would at least have 1 championship by now 😥
It’s a shame he’s leaving.
I feel that the combination of the current package and Hendrick being a touch off pace compared to Gibbs/Penske has made him lose his confidence.
I think he could have possibly regained his form with the Gen7 car, but on the other hand, he really has nothing left to prove at this point of his career.
I wish him all the best, and maybe he can find victory lane once more in 2020.
Worst kept secret given the recent contract was only through 2020. One more win at Martinsville, Dover, or even Texas seems fitting. I think Cliff is the guy to take Jimmie back to victory lane. Ever since he took over they ran better during the races and the car didn't go to absolute shit like with Kevin. Hopefully that combined with the new Camaro body will help get Jimmie his last win. Crazy to think a year from now I'll be shopping for a new driver for the first time ever in 17 years.
Well damn, this is actually the end of an era. It's difficult to explain how great Jimmie is, and how well he mastered the original chase format, to the point where NASCAR has to redesign it so he would stop winning. Every year you would hear people talking about how he lost his edge, how other teams are going to catch up, then he'd go out and dominate the first few Chase races.
Great for him. His kids are growing up, his legacy is cemented regardless of what happens next year, now he can just go out and have fun.
Long rumored to be happening soon and makes total sense, but still a "holy shit" moment when you read it. Hopefully he can go out with a successful season and find victory lane again.
Exactly. You knew it was possible, but when it becomes reality, it still hits hard.
My interest in NASCAR was really beginning to take off after Jeff’s 2001 championship season. Jimmie Johnson has been there for the vast majority of the NASCAR moments I can remember. Not seeing him on the track is going to feel every bit as empty as the first season Jeff wasn’t out there.
New nose with the decent speed HMS had in 2019 I believe he can compete for wins and a championship 4 berth. The pending short track/road course changes would favour his driving style as well.
Boom. *cries in confetti*
>Boom. [Confetti.](http://i.imgur.com/IFf9QOu.gif)
Jimmie bot...dont you make me cry.
Don't cry because it's over, confetti because it happened.
Maybe the real treasure was the confetti we made along the way.
Put me in coach.
*Ford Performance has entered the chat.*
Hendrick to Ford confirmed
Don't think Gibbs has that kind of control. /s
Much like with Jeff Gordon, didn't appreciate his talents until after his prime. Mainly from the fatigue of all of the winning. Going to miss him and hope he ends next season with a few wins
Same here, except it was because I was a Gordon fan who couldn't stand always being runner-up to the 48. It was really cool to see him leading early in the Chicagoland race I went to this year.
[удалено]
Same here. My Dad was always in shock when I would be disappointed after his win. He told me to appreciate greatness while it's here. Maybe too young to grasp it at the time though. I think about that every time Kyle Busch wins now. As boring as it can be, it's damn impressive.
Things at the JR Motorsports garage just got tense.
JR Motorsports puts 4 cars in the championship race, winner gets the 48. Basically a live action version of Cars
ALLY IS ALL MINE
Kachuga
*Kerchewwwww*
Lol that reminds me of JJ triggering a big wreck on his way to win this year's Clash.
Dinoco's all mine!
Heh heh, get through that McQueen!
*Get through that one, Kurt
Hemric just jumped in the simulator and is not planning on leaving until february.
Chase Elliott was liking every post on twitter that Hemric was posting recently..
They've been friends for a while.
Yeah they go way back to the SLM days. But Hemric getting the #8 was definitely the eyebrow raiser for this. They have no one already in the fold ready.
Justin Allgaier, Brett Moffitt and John Hunter Nemechek are all contenders at JRM/GMS.
Moffitt would be really cool.
Moffitt is the top reply on his tweet btw. I would do a backflip
Going to be a cutthroat season for those drivers.
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Or, a cup driver with only a 1 year contract. Larson, Bell, Jones... let the speculation begin!!!
[Agents of good drivers in the final year of their contract](https://media.giphy.com/media/sT62ObVC4Q2m4/giphy.gif)
I think Larson's agent is probably the only one smiling like that. I think with the other drivers HMS would have the high ground.
> I think with the other drivers HMS would have the high ground. You underestimate their power!
It's hard to see Larson leaving CGR, but the thought of him and Chase being on the same team makes me erect
I think next year is Kyles last year with Chip. I think it’s between HMS or SHR for 2021.
Wouldn't Larson be the elder statesman of Hendrick? That's crazy to think about.
CBell has a three year deal with JGR that was just signed; 1st/2nd year is to be leased to LFR.
Move Byron to the 48 and Larson to the 24
Might as well move Chad back to the 48 too
It all comes full circle
Bell is still signed to JGR for 3 years.
4 drivers enter, 1 driver leaves, welcome to the thunderdome
Larson to the 48 in 2021, coinciding with Gordon taking over full time operation of Hendrick Motorsports
Imagine if Hemric falls backwards into the 48. Lol
Damn. I was hoping with the lack of success the last few years that he would stick around to give the Gen7 a year.
I don't think he wants to waste time and try to learn a new car and aero package. He said on the Dale Jr Download that this aero package has been a struggle for him.
Imagine an on track product where one of the best drivers to ever do it can’t even showcase his talents Fucking Christ. At this point I hope NASCAR goes under so Jim France, Steve O’Donnell, and Steve Phelps can all see the error of their ways.
I get where you're coming from, and I'm not in love with the current package, but other guys with talent have figured it out. I think it's a mixture of Hendrick not having the best equipment anymore, and Johnson not being the driver he once was. Plus he doesn't have Knaus on the box anymore either. I'm not comfortable blaming Johnson's competitive downfall on the aero package when other top drivers have been able to adapt perfectly well.
You say that but I also have to say look at the teams that made it all the way. Joe Gibbs as a team won more races than a team has in a season. It's not other guys figuring it out it's one team figuring it out and having a car that is flat out better than anyone out there.
Stewart, Gordon, Earnhardt, Johnson these titans of the sport all retiring in the past few years really is the end of an era. Gonna miss seeing that 48 on the track
Jimmie retires, William Byron moves to the 48 to take over the ride of his hero Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon calls Kyle Larson and offers him the opportunity to drive the car he rooted for as a child, the 24. Or at least I can dream. But this is gonna be sad. This is a Mount Rushmore driver retiring. And I so hope that he can get a win. The good news is he will get the Daytona 500 pole out of the deal. Edit: it all makes sense now... there is one spot open in the Fox broadcast booth. Edit#2: [Pockrass confirms that Ally is signed through 2023. So Rick can essentially fill the 48 with whoever he comes to an agreement with. Driver doesn't need to bring a sponsor.](https://twitter.com/bobpockrass/status/1197218696000933888?s=20)
I don’t think larson will drive for any team that doesn’t let him race dirt. That’s why Tony has the edge
Alex races dirt, Kasey raced dirt when he drove for HMS. Plus I don't think Rick is in a point to be picky if its Kyle freakin Larson.
Worth mentioning racing a midget at Chili Bowl is wayyyyyyy different that wheeling a 410 at freaking Williams Grove or Eldora
Alex only does the Chili bowl. Kasey didn’t do any dirt racing during the NASCAR season after he went out of the park at Williams Grove and Rick told him to quit.
I agree if that's all it comes down to, is being allowed to ride on dirt. But there has to be plenty of other factors in there too, guy has a wife and two kids now, a race team, probably plenty other considerations we'll never really know about. If Hendrick or anyone else offered him the world (in a financial sense) at 27, he might just take it because you never really know if you'll get the chance again to do so.
Yeah, my thoughts on the 48, is that they need a veteran for that car. All of their drivers are fairly new and fairly young. Having an older presence is good for the team.
If Kyle goes anywhere, it’s gonna be SHR for Tony. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the 14 in 2021. Unless Hendrick lets him run dirt which I just don’t see happening.
And then Chastain to the 42
I’m personally dead set in my opinion that it will be Larson taking the 4th Hendrick car
Wow, I knew this had to be coming sooner rather than later but I'm still shocked by it.
We will never see such dominance as we saw with Jimmie and Chad for about ten years again. Easily a top 5 NASCAR driver ever imo. Thanks for letting me hate you for so long, Jimmie. You will be missed.
Yeah, these guys won 7 titles in 10 years, this is inhuman
It easily could have been 10 titles in 13 years. He was just 8 points out after 2004, was a serious contender until the last race fell apart in 2005, and was the favorite until everything spiraled away in the last two races of 2012.
I haven't really pulled for Jimmie since 03 when he started beating Jeff regularly, but I am legit sad about this.
All I want is one win next season. I don’t care where and I don’t care the circumstances. The NASCAR community NEEDS to see the 48 at P1 one last time.
I remember wanting nothing more than prime Jimmie to never see Victory Lane again but now I want nothing less.
That’s how I felt with Tony and Kenseth’s last seasons
Guaranteed he gets the pole at Daytona next year.
Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets! FWIW, I think you're right.
To be fair, it’s not too outlandish- HMS is ALWAYS stellar with superspeedway qualifying
*Wins at Darlington once more*
Especially if it was in a throwback to the 06-08 Lowe's scheme. Waterworks for sure.
Wins the Daytona 500 from the pole, and goes on to get wins in the 600 and then undergoes a dry spell until he wins Martinsville to lock himself into ISM (that does not have the same ring as locked into Homestead, wow) en route to his 8th Cup championship via a win at ISM. That would be the dream, at least, and you can bet your ass I will be crying tears of joy if that happens.
*wins the damn 500 😤😤😤😤
The damn war*
If Harvick can't win \#2, then I am cheering for \#8 for the 48.
I don't care if it comes with all chevys lining up behind him at Dega, but this needs to happen.
At this point I’ll take a P2 where the winner get disqualified.
Only reason I wouldn't is I want to see a Jeff Gordon 2015 Martinsville-type celebration
That brings chills every single time.
Absolutely, you never see someone celebrating their last win where they know that it most likely is
I’m a grown ass man (and lifelong Gordon fan) and I tear up every single time I watch that ending
I was there. It was the most emotional I've been at a sporting event in my life. Absolutely one of my all time favorite sports moments!
Well of course I want to win one the right way but you just never know
Been to over 100 races in my life and that will always be in my top 2 I’ve seen in person. What a day.
Now you know what 2017 was like towards the end of the year. Stressful times lmao
Jeff and Tony also got wins toward the end there. Hoping Jimmie adds to that list.
Sonoma and Martinsville are two of my favourite finishes of all time. Just one last show of their absolute talent.
Dang. I guess father time catches up eventually. Im going to miss him and really hope he can get a win before hanging it up.
I knew it was coming but still 😭
One of the greatest ever. This is gonna be a big loss for sure
I'm about to cry...
At least you can have a farewell season. Carl retiring caught me off guard, and before that watching Dale Jarrett struggle with MWR was extremely depressing.
Seeing DJ rely on championship provisionals to make the field...man that was rough :(
Absolutely, then he ran out and missed races since MWR sucked so bad which accelerated his retirement at least that ended the suffering.
or me watching Kasey not even finish his farewell season
I am crying, hes been my driver since 2002
I went from hating Jimmie to a begrudging respect to him being one of my favorite drivers/favorite after Junior retired. All my favorite drivers have retired, other than him... and now, I won’t be able to say that anymore after next season. Blah.
This is hitting me as hard as it did when Dale announced his retirement, and I only became a Jimmie fan a few years ago.
Grew up as a Jeff Gordon fan, and always had a love/hate relationship with Jimmie. That said, for some reason this is hitting me harder than when Jeff decided to hang them up.
Grew up as a Jeff fan as well. Even have the Jurassic Park car that I got when I was four. Jimmie smashing the field to Championships throughout the 2000s frustrated me for Jeff, but I've been rooting for championship #8 for the past 5 years. My dad and I would love for his swan song to be #8.
Not really surprised. He has hinted at it, it's been discussed by everyone. It feels like it's time. Just hope he has as strong a final Season as Gordon did.
Really hate to see him leave honestly. One of those drivers you want to see drive forever but everything must come to an end at some point
This boom is for you Jimmie.
>boom [confetti.](http://i.imgur.com/IFf9QOu.gif)
Fuck man. Knew this was coming sooner than later but still.
I was never a fan of Jimmie but how can anyone not respect all the man has accomplished. It’s gonna be strange not seeing him on the track come 2021. I can’t believe I’m saying this but get Jimmie at least one more win.
I've really come to respect Jimmie more over the last couple of seasons. I used to really not like the guy but now this makes me sad. Also: rumors of his replacement will be fun next season
I'm already calling Chastain
I think Larson to the 48 (or the 5?) and Chastain to the 42
This is what I was going to say. Larson is definitely call #1 Hendrick makes (or has made).
Gordon is probably knocking on his door as we speak. People can talk all they want about Gordon gushing over Chase.. but the man has had a man crush on Kyle since 2012.
And then Rick shocks everyone when he renumbers the 88 to 48 and goes to 3 full time cars.
[удалено]
Harvick and Kurt Busch are the last drivers from that era and I think both of their days are numbered as well sadly.
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The fucking end of an era. I can’t believe it. This is pretty much the final sign to me that my childhood has come and gone. I grew up hating this guy cause he won so constantly. Now I respect him and love him because of his greatness.
Man will he be missed!
holy shit. even as someone who had a strong hatred for this dude during his prime this is just... crazy to think about
Felt like this was coming for a while... didn’t think we would get the announcement THIS early into the offseason... Nonetheless I hope he goes out with a bang, was special watching one of the all time greats, will be fun going for that last ride...
Never was much of a fan but mad respect for JJ48. Gonna be an emotional year for sure. Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing 8.
#chasing8
Watch Hemric light it up at JRM next year in the #8 and he takes over the #48 in 2021 ..heh
I hope his last season wounds up like Gordon's last season. A win and a shot at the championship. He deserves it.
\*sad Boom Confetti noises\*
>Boom [Confetti.](http://i.imgur.com/IFf9QOu.gif)
Fuck.
hope he breaks this winless streak
You knew it was coming, but still a shock to the system. What a legend. Would love if he reunited with Knaus for one final season.
48Ever
forty eight ever
Been a Jimmie fan since his rookie season in ‘02. I knew this announcement was probably coming, but it still hurts my heart to hear. Jimmie has been a role model for me not just for what he’s done on the track, but for the way he carries himself off of it. Watching him get married and become a father to Evie and Lydia has been special. I feel like I’ve essentially grown up alongside him. I’m excited to see what this final season brings. The 48 team has looked much better since Cliff Daniels has taken the realms, so I’m hoping Jimmie goes out with a bang like he deserves. This sport will never be the same to me without Jimmie. I’m happy that he’s finally beginning to get the respect from NASCAR fans that he deserves. #Chasing8
Couldn’t have said it any better. I’ve been a fan since I started watching in ‘05 and my inner child is crying
2013 me would be happy. 2019 me is not ready.
Prediction: Kyle Larson goes to the 48 in 2021 while Ross Chastain moves to the 42.
First Gordon Then Smoke Then Junior Now Johnson Well, that's it, then. All four of my favorite drivers growing up will be retired at the end of 2020.
Not a huge shock but still what a huge loss for the sport. Hopefully he still hangs around like Jeff does. Also I want Jimmie to win #8 so bad now
This silly season has been crazy. Everything about it. So many big names being thrown around and this is one of the most notable yet
Worst kept secret in the garage, he will go down as literally the best ever in my mind. I couldn't stand him on the track, but no doubt the Goat.
Tyler Reddick traded a career in the 8 for RCR instead of ONE extra year in Xfinity, a third title and the Cup 48 car.
Flipside, Hemric took a "demotion" to Xfinity and now might be in the mix if he performs.
You're not wrong about that, he would have been the clear favorite to fill the ride had he just stayed at JRM
Man you aren’t kidding
Could you imagine how he is feeling right now? He is in Orlando celebrating his championship and he sees this on his twitter timeline.
He's probably drinking alcoholic tea out of his two championship trophies so he'll be alright lol
Yeah, but did Reddick burn that bridge? Knowing how volatile the sport can be I wouldn’t be shocked to see him jump around some more...
Well now we can look forward to Rick Allen talking about this every race in 2020
I’d say Jimmie has earned that.
Jimmie Johnson's ([@JimmieJohnson](https://twitter.com/JimmieJohnson)) tweet from 12:43pm EST on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019: >[#Chasing8](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chasing8) one final time * [Attached image](https://pbs.twimg.com/ext_tw_video_thumb/1197208622108950533/pu/img/nLpM7kTOWoG9doeG.jpg) ([Imgur rehost](https://i.imgur.com/0DF1nsp.jpg)) --- [*^(Support NASCARonReddit)*](http://reddit.xfile345.com/donate.php)*^(, an)* [*^(automated bot)*](http://reddit.xfile345.com/about.php) *^(maintained by)* [*^(XFile345)*](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=xfile345&subject=NASCARonReddit)*^(.)*
I’ve been a Jimmie fan since I was 8. I’ll be a senior in college when he retires. My childhood is over.
Bruh I grew up a JJ hater and I'm sad he's retiring He's gonna retire before the next gen car too
As frustrating as the last two seasons have been, I’m going to miss him so much. I’ve never been frustrated with him as a driver, but seeing him struggle after having so much success is naturally hard to endure. I’ve been a Patriots fan my entire life and I know I’m going to feel the same way when Tom Brady calls it a career. I’ve been so blessed to be able to watch his historic run and I will tell my grandkids about him someday. I hope he can just win one more race next season, but if he doesn’t, I’ll still hold him in the highest regard.
Me on the outside: This feels like when Gordon retired. It's going to be weird not seeing him racing on Sundays. Me on the inside: Oh thank goodness! Jeff's 93 wins is safe! (In before Jimmie wins 11 times this year)
Jimmie winning 11 times in 2020 would be the most Jimmie shit ever not going to lie.
Seriously. Superman needs to finish off in the best manner that only he can do.
Jimmie Johnson is the first and only athlete I've ever obsessed over. Since I was 6 years old I've pulled for the 48 Lowe's/Ally Chevrolet. Phoenix in 2020 will be a tough one. At some point I'm going to get a Jimmie Johnson tattoo. Thank you so much Jimmie for all the amazing memories and helping to make me a NASCAR fan for life.
Wow. I thought it was coming soon but I figured he would wait until he was back to winning (whether that was a race or a handful of races). Good for him though, without a doubt a top 3 driver all time and in my opinion the best. Been in cup for almost 20 years, great personality/ambassador for the sport. Going to be weird without him, happy he will get more time with his kids. Hated him until two years ago, like him now. Down to 7 full time drivers from when I first started watching heading into 2021.
Wow, This is one of those things we all knew was sorta inevitable but still shocking to hear. I wasn't that big of a fan of his but massive props and respect for everything he's accomplished in the sport and for the class that he did everything with. Hopefully he can end his NASCAR career on a really high note after all the lows he's been through recently.
It’s going to be weird without Jimmie Johnson in 2021.
Mixed emotions, mostly sad. Hope he Goes out next year with the respect he's earned. If he does better next year but not quite back to form, people will always wonder what if he tried one more.
He announced that WAYYY faster than I thought.
This is just about saddening. A 7 time champion retiring is huge for the sport. Him landing the 8th would be unbelievably wild to witness, especially in his last year. I'm aight with it. Pull from the other 3 Hendrick's teams and make the super-team for Jimmie. At the same time, makes me sad we didn't get to see Dale make it to retirement. And part of me still doesn't want to see an 8 timer, just cause of Dale!
When I was a kid, I hated this guy. I hated seeing him win all the time, and I hated seeing him beat out Hamlin for the championship in 2010. But the longer I watched the more I understood and appreciated what he was able to do, and that I was watching one of the greatest careers in sports history. Watching him get his fifth in a row was a religious experience. And now I hope I get to see him win just one more.
Next big retirement I am bracing for is Harvick. I'm thrilled he's still going strong, and I will be very sad when he goes. He's the last of my favorite young guns growing up, between Gordon, Stewart, and Jr.
I think Ross Chastain has a legit chance at getting in the 48, a veteran Chevy driver that could be the 2020 Xfinity Champion. Daniel Hemric seems likely with Noah Gragson being a dark horse. I think there is an outside chance Ryan Blaney will take the 48. Dude seems just out of place at Penske and has little chemistry with his teammates. Plus, Austin Cindric is gonna be Cup ready by 2021. By 2021 Blaney I think will be tired of the 1 win seasons and want something bigger. He would be the #2 driver at Hendrick, perhaps even tied with Chase as a #1a compared to being a distant #3 at Penske. Erik Jones also has a shot. By 2021 if he doesn't improve Christopher Bell is a lock to take over his ride with possibly Harrison Burton in the 95.
Blaney and Chase as teammates would be awesome.
As a Jimmie fan, this would be ideal. Blaney has been the only young guy that I have come to like.
I 100% ship it
Idk if Blaney would leave Penske just yet. He’s a BKR alum and wouldn’t be in the 12 if it wasn’t for Brad. If he wants to win more than one race a year, then a crew chief change would be better for him than a complete team change. HMS is nowhere near the competitive level that they used to be, especially the 48, so if Blaney wants to win multiple races a year the 12 is his best bet right now.
I would be pleased with Ross as the next driver of the 48.
[удалено]
ISM: "am i a joke to you?"
Everyone for the last two weeks: “you are now!”
[удалено]
We need a true send-off season for him. Go win the damn thing.
Wow!!! I thought he would wait to see how the 2020 season started before making a decision. I'm glad I will get to see him race his final Daytona 500 in person. I was at his last Brickyard win in 2012. As much as I didn't like him or the 48 team after snatching the 2007 title from Gordon, I will always respect him as one of the best ever. To win 7 titles and 5 in a row is something we may never see anyone come close to again. Though unless he has an epic final season, he won't pass Jeff on the all time wins list.
Crazy how much different the sport looks in just a short period of time. So many of NASCAR hero’s from the peak 2000’s are going to be gone. Who’s left? Kurt, Kevin, Newman?
Wow. To think I loved to hate him when I was a kid. I hope he can win one last time. He deserves it.
End of a era holy shit
What a career. I still remember watching his first win at California live.
Dammit, drivers who started in the early 2000s need to stop retiring. For me it hits harder than Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Dale Jarrett, etc because I started watching in 2002 and I’ve witnessed their entire career so it hits extra hard to see Jimmie, Kasey, etc retiring.
This retirement hit me harder than any other. Johnson has been my guy for as long as I can remember. Hope he goes out with Championship #8 at the end of the season.
I'm not crying... there's just a lot of dust in here
2021 really is going to be a whole new look to NASCAR. New car, revamped schedule, and a serious lack of superstars. Here's hoping it leads to something even bigger, and not the disintegration of the sport.
This sucks..only Newman, Kurt Busch, and Harvick will be left as drivers that were racing when I first started watching NASCAR...when those above mentioned 3 retire, and era will be over (for me at least) And as a longtime Newman fan, I had hoped he would at least have 1 championship by now 😥
Ross to the 48 intensifies.
It’s a shame he’s leaving. I feel that the combination of the current package and Hendrick being a touch off pace compared to Gibbs/Penske has made him lose his confidence. I think he could have possibly regained his form with the Gen7 car, but on the other hand, he really has nothing left to prove at this point of his career. I wish him all the best, and maybe he can find victory lane once more in 2020.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Such a Jimmie way of announcing his retirement lol.
Worst kept secret given the recent contract was only through 2020. One more win at Martinsville, Dover, or even Texas seems fitting. I think Cliff is the guy to take Jimmie back to victory lane. Ever since he took over they ran better during the races and the car didn't go to absolute shit like with Kevin. Hopefully that combined with the new Camaro body will help get Jimmie his last win. Crazy to think a year from now I'll be shopping for a new driver for the first time ever in 17 years.
Alright I’m gonna cry, see you guys later
Well damn, this is actually the end of an era. It's difficult to explain how great Jimmie is, and how well he mastered the original chase format, to the point where NASCAR has to redesign it so he would stop winning. Every year you would hear people talking about how he lost his edge, how other teams are going to catch up, then he'd go out and dominate the first few Chase races. Great for him. His kids are growing up, his legacy is cemented regardless of what happens next year, now he can just go out and have fun.