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Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson tested positive for coronavirus. Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to test positive for respiratory illness, and as a result he will have to miss this weekend’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Johnson is reportedly asymptomatic but will not be able to return to the sport as medically authorized, according to Hendrick Motorsports. He was examined today after his wife tested positive for the disease.
In a statement released by NASCAR, Johnson said his first priority is the health and safety of loved ones, and his teammates are his first priority.
“I have never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it will be very difficult to see from the side when I am supposed to be competing. Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I am going to come back ready to win races and put us in the postseason. ”
This diagnosis casts a key on Johnson’s goal to be one of only three drivers to win at Indianapolis five times. Jeff Gordon and Michael Schumacher are the only two others who have accomplished this feat. Johnson, who is currently 12th in the Cup standings and maintains a record 663 consecutive Cup starts, retired at the end of the season. He was also set to try out an IndyCar track next week, a plan that has also been naturally scrapped.
Justin Allgaier is set to be Johnson’s replacement and will drive the No. 48 Chevy on Sunday. He is a full-time driver in the Xfinity series in JR Motorsports’ No. 7 car, which is co-owned by Hendrick, the owner of Johnson’s car.
This positive test means not only missing this week’s race, but also missing the Cup race in Kentucky and the All-Star race in Bristol.
