Emotional Johnson ‘feels good’ about decision to step away
Image courtesy of NASCAR
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Kelly Crandall | November 21, 2019 4:08 PM
The feeling of retirement started to become real for Jimmie Johnson in October.
With his Hendrick Motorsports contract set to expire after 2020, Johnson had already been thinking plenty about his future through the spring and summer months. In his mind, Johnson felt he needed to make a decision by the end of this year.
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When the feeling of stepping away started to hit, “it felt good to think about” Johnson admitted Thursday afternoon at a press conference with Rick Hendrick by side.
“It was such a profound moment that I really take it back to the moment in time where I knew I wanted to buy a ring for (wife Chandra),” Johnson said. “It was just that strong in my stomach. It was like, ‘Wow, this is what I want to do.’”
Three weeks ago, Johnson sat down with Hendrick. But the Hall of Fame team owner didn’t have Johnson on the clock of when he wanted to know about next year, saying Johnson earned the right to take the time he wanted. The company would figure out its next steps after he had decided.
Of course, Hendrick felt “shock” when the seven-time champion informed him of his plans.
“Every time one of these drivers call me and want to come to my house, I know that’s not a good situation,” Hendrick said. “I knew the day would come, but I should be the one retiring. Not you.”