Jimmie Johnson wrecks late in Indianapolis 500 debut

As an alternative, the wreck solely spoiled Johnson’s race — Ericsson held on after the delay and pulled away for the Indy 500 win for Chip Ganassi Racing.

“I’m glad Marcus received it executed,” Johnson mentioned.

Ericsson held on to offer Ganassi his fifth Indy 500 win. Johnson thought all month he may ship the win to Ganassi, even in simply his second IndyCar oval begin and first open-wheel race on the Brickyard. He was by no means significantly within the combine Sunday — although he led two laps due to pit cycles — and his late wreck left him in twenty eighth.

The seven-time NASCAR champion had no reply for the way he misplaced management of his automotive.

“It rotated so quick,” Johnson mentioned. “I used to be crashing and it was over. I had not had that difficulty right into a nook but the place the again finish needed to return round. I used to be actually stunned it was caught off guard.”

The destroyed automotive spoiled an in any other case improbable Might for Johnson the place he was the toast of IndyCar. Johnson soaked in all of the sights and sounds of the Brickyard and already hoped he may strive it once more subsequent 12 months.

Johnson was pulled tight by Indianapolis 500 nice Dario Franchitti for some last-second encouragement earlier than the race after which labored the rope surrounding his automotive — mobbed with followers, family and friends like no different driver — and hugged and high-fived everybody he may attain. His previous NASCAR crew chief Chad Knaus watched from close by.

Then got here Johnson’s women. The household that Johnson passionately persuaded to let him chase his boyhood dream and race the Indy 500 couldn’t let him go. Johnson’s two younger daughters squeezed onerous after they threw their arms round his waist and shoulders.

However daddy needed to race.

With that, the seven-time NASCAR champion and one of many best drivers in auto racing historical past strapped on his helmet and slipped contained in the 48 automotive, prepared for his rookie race at Indy at 46 years previous.

Johnson failed in his bid to affix A. J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as the one drivers to win each the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Andretti and Tony Stewart, members of Johnson’s former NASCAR group and even his dad, who labored the race as Johnson’s spotter, all despatched video messages of assist.

“I want I had some recommendation to you that will be helpful however you already know what to do,” Andretti mentioned.

Johnson walked out to driver introductions hand-in-hand together with his two younger daughters, Lydia and Evie. Johnson’s ovation from greater than 300,000 followers was topped solely by the one for four-time Indy 500 champ Helio Castroneves.

Johnson’s spouse, Chani, joined the household on the 48 automotive. Franchitti, the three-time Indy 500 champion, served as Johnson’s driving coach at Chip Ganassi Racing and appeared emotional as he hugged Johnson.

Johnson partnered with shut good friend and nation music star Blake Shelton to honor members of the family who served within the army. Johnson’s helmet encompasses a crimson, white and blue paint scheme together with black-and-white photographs of his grandfather and Shelton’s brother and father.

“Any time Jimmie Johnson asks you to do one thing, you’re going to do it anyway,” Shelton mentioned as he watched the opening laps. “However this was further particular.”

Johnson gained 83 occasions in NASCAR, claimed a record-tying seven NASCAR championships and will have walked away from racing after 2020 together with his legacy safe. However the four-time winner in NASCAR on the Brickyard simply could not shake Indy.

And he is already eyeing 2023.

“Simply a lot enjoyable to be right here and be part of this spectacle,” he mentioned.

___

Extra AP Indy 500 protection: https://apnews.com/hub/indianapolis-500 and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports