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Mega transfer in the U.S.: NASCAR legend drives IndyCar next two years

Mega transfer in the U.S.: NASCAR legend drives IndyCar next two years

09-09-2020 16:55
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GPblog.com

While Formula 1 continues to speculate on the future of Sebastian Vettel, the future of another great champion has become more clear in the United States. Although the outcome of this may not be very surprising.

Jimmie Johnson, who's shared recordholder with seven titles in the NASCAR cup series, is saying goodbye to the beloved stock car championship at the end of this season. He has joined Chip Ganassi's IndyCar team for two seasons, where he will be Scott Dixon's teammate.

Two full seasons with champion team

You could justifiably call that a megatransfer. The greatest NASCAR champion of this century to join the team currently serving in the IndyCar Championship. Although it comes as no surprise. It was already more or less known that Johnson was going to say goodbye to NASCAR and he was already testing an IndyCar at Indianapolis.

The fact that he plans to drive two full seasons does come as big news. Johnson doesn't really have any experience with 'open wheel' cars and the street circuits will take some getting used to at the age of 44. The expectation was that he would mainly focus on the Indy 500 and other oval-races. He still has to gather some sponsor money, but that will not be a problem.