INDIANAPOLIS — Jimmie Johnson mentioned just a few prayers when he wrecked late in his Indianapolis 500 debut along with his teammate within the lead.
The worst-case situation after his No. 48 automotive slammed into the wall, spewed particles over the monitor and floor the race to a 12-minute, red-flag halt would have been a blown probability on the checkered flag for Marcus Ericsson.
As a substitute, 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 obtained it executed,” Johnson mentioned.
Ericsson held on to offer Ganassi his fifth Indy 500 win. Johnson thought all month he might 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 severely 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 subject 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 Could 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 might attempt it once more subsequent yr.
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 might attain. His outdated NASCAR crew chief Chad Knaus watched from close by.
Then got here Johnson’s ladies. The household 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 arduous 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strapped on his helmet and slipped contained in the 48 automotive, prepared for his rookie race at Indy at 46 years outdated.
Johnson failed in his bid to hitch 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 crew and even his dad, who labored the race as Johnson’s spotter, all despatched video messages of help.
“I want I had some recommendation to you that might be helpful however what to do,” Andretti mentioned.
Johnson walked out to driver introductions hand-in-hand along 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 buddy and nation music star Blake Shelton to honor relations who served within the army. Johnson’s helmet includes a crimson, white and blue paint scheme together with black-and-white images 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 additional particular.”
Johnson gained 83 occasions in NASCAR, claimed a record-tying seven NASCAR championships and will have walked away from racing after 2020 along with his legacy safe. However the four-time winner in NASCAR on the Brickyard simply couldn’t shake Indy.
And he’s already eyeing 2023.
“Simply a lot enjoyable to be right here and be part of this spectacle,” he mentioned.