Jimmy Johnson Race car driver, participant in the Sprint Cup NASCAR series Date of Birth: 17.09.1975 Country: USA

1. Biography of Jimmy Johnson
2. Early Career
3. NASCAR Career
4. Success in NASCAR
5. Records and Accolades
6. Personal Life and Recognition

Biography of Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Kenneth Johnson, born on September 17, 1975, is an American racing driver and participant in the 'Sprint Cup NASCAR' series. He drives the Chevrolet Impala with the number 48, alongside his teammate Jeff Gordon. Johnson is a three-time champion of the 'Sprint Cup NASCAR' races.

Early Career

Johnson began his racing career at the age of five, racing motorcycles with 50cc engines. Despite a knee injury, he won the championship in the 60cc motorcycle category at the age of eight. He later transitioned to four-wheel vehicles and participated in off-road competitions such as SODA, SCORE International, and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group. He achieved twenty-five victories, one hundred podium finishes, six championships, and the 'Rookie of the Year' award in all three leagues.

NASCAR Career

In 1996, Johnson worked with Herzog Motosports and ESPN as a field journalist for SODA races. In 1998, he joined the American Speed Association (ASA) and finished fourth in the season, earning another 'Rookie of the Year' award. At the same time, Johnson started participating in NASCAR races in the 'NASCAR Busch Series'. In 2000, he became a full-time driver for Herzog Motosports in the Busch series, finishing tenth in points and third in the 'Rookie of the Year' category. He won his first Busch race in 2001 at the 'Hills Brothers Coffee 300' at the Chicagoland Speedway.

Success in NASCAR

Johnson's career in NASCAR's 'Sprint Cup' series was marked by several notable achievements. In his rookie season, he became the first rookie in the series to win two races at the Dover International Speedway. He also became the first rookie to lead the championship standings, a record that still stands today. Johnson consistently finished in the top five in the first seven seasons of his career. He never finished below fifth place in the final points standings and was a runner-up three times. He won the championship three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008.

Records and Accolades

Johnson holds multiple records in NASCAR, including being the only driver to win the 'Daytona 500', the 'Allstate 400', and the 'NASCAR Sprint Cup' championship in the same year. He also won the 'Coca-Cola 600' three times in a row. He holds the record for four consecutive wins at the 'Louis Motor Speedway' and five wins by points. In 2006, he matched his colleague and friend Jeff Gordon's record of winning four races in a row, a feat previously achieved only by Gordon in 1998.

Personal Life and Recognition

Johnson was born and raised in the San Diego area and maintains strong ties to his hometown. He is a local dealer for Chevrolet, along with Rick Hendrick. Their dealership, 'Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet', is located in the Kearny Mesa district of San Diego County. Johnson was named the Professional Athlete of the Year in San Diego in 2007 and was honored by the mayor, Jerry Sanders, who declared October 9th as Jimmy Johnson Day.