[h=2]'I'm as hungry as I've ever been' - Johnson[/h] Friday, 16 June 2017


By Kelly Crandall / Images by Chris Trotman/Getty Images & Nigel Kinrade/LAT

Jimmie Johnson's three-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports is confirmation the seven-time champion hasn't lost the desire to compete.

"I've said it before and continued to say it, that when the fire does go out, I'll step down," Johnson said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. "I don't have a framework now on a timeline. I just know that I've got three more years of trying to go out there and win championships and win races.
"I'm as hungry as I've ever been and as focused and dedicated to doing my job. We will see how these three years go and certainly from my standpoint I hope to collect another big trophy and then lots of other race trophies along the way and have some fun."
The defending Cup Series champion will go through the 2020 season with Hendrick Motorsports. Since joining the organization in 2002, Johnson has only known one team, one sponsor, and one crew chief. But while Johnson's contract goes through 2020 (which would see him turn 45 that year), Lowe's and Chad Knaus are currently signed on through next season.
Johnson both hopes and expects Lowe's will continue with him going forward. As for Knaus (pictured, with Johnson), the combination of he and Johnson has been the standard in the Cup Series since they joined forces, and Johnson again expressed his desire to go the distance with his crew chief.
"I think I've got another year to try to convince him (to stay on)," Johnson said of Knaus. "He has another year on his contract, and I'm sure discussions will take place about an extension for him. He at least has another year, and I've started this with him, and I've said it before, I want to finish it with him. So, I'll keep leaning on him."

In 16 full seasons, Johnson has rocketed to the top of the sport. His seven championships tie him with NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. Two weeks ago, Johnson jumped to sixth on the all-time win list when he tied Cale Yarborough at 83 following an 11th win at Dover International Speedway.
When it comes to NASCAR's four major races – Daytona, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Darlington – Johnson hasn't just won all of them, he's done so multiple times. Of the schedule itself, there are just three tracks left for Johnson hasn't yet won.
But what else could be next for Johnson with at least three more years ahead of him?
"I've never honestly been driven by stats, and I've said it so many times, but it's hard to ignore where I sit on the wins list and not let my competitive spirit kick in and want more," Johnson said. "Certainly, would love to climb further up the ladder there. Eight championships, I would love to stand alone at that, but that is all predictable and easy stuff. For me, it's really about racing. I just love to race.
"The experience I have with my engineers, with my team, with Chad, that bond and that experience combined with the experience of driving and competing ... there is a high in that that I've chased my entire career. That's still why I get in that racecar. Someday when that fades, that's when I'll step down. It's not going to be because of stats and where I rank or how many championships I have, it's all about that experience in the car.
"That experience is as cool as it's ever been and I'm really enjoying it right now."

 

Jimmie Johnson has tied the 7 time NASCAR champion record with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.