NBC Sports announced on Tuesday that Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, will be part of their coverage for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26. Johnson will contribute to the pre-race and race coverage from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Before this, Johnson was part of the studio coverage at the same event in 2021. He will also work as an analyst for NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage at three Cup races: on August 24 at Daytona International Superspeedway, on October 6 at Talladega Superspeedway, and one of the playoff races in the Round of 12.
Moreover, Johnson will be part of NBC Sports’ coverage for Cup races where he is competing this year, including the championship finale on November 10 at Phoenix.
Johnson expressed his excitement, saying, “To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor. 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.”
He added, “Even though I’ve never been able to do the ‘double’ as a driver, May 26 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.”
Johnson is known as one of the most successful NASCAR drivers in history, with seven Cup titles, tying for the most all-time with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. He is also the only driver to win five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010. With 83 Cup Series race wins, he ranks third in the modern era.
In 2022, Johnson joined the IndyCar Series and was named the 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.
Sam Flood, lead producer for NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage, expressed excitement about working with Johnson, calling him one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport. He mentioned their thrill at having Johnson’s unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as making history by becoming the first person ever to do the ‘double.’
