Jimmie Johnson

"I feel like I’m very near the cap of races that I would want to run in a year. 17 to 20 is that number that I’ve been aiming for. If a great opportunity came along, I’d definitely look hard at it and probably do it," Johnson said. The driving legend retired from NASCAR following the 2020 season -- with 83 wins and seven championships under his belt -- and has been racing in a part-time role on the IndyCar circuit this year. So far, he has struggled to find any kind of real success in his new avenue of work, having yet to place higher than 19th in seven IndyCar races. Given these struggles, it's understandable that Johnson would be kicking around a potential comeback. Consider this a story to keep an eye on over the coming months. Nothing is imminent, though, it would appear.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will start for the eighth time at the 24-hour event. In conjunction with Action Express Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson will rev his engine in a No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R. The last time Johnson raced in the Rolex 24 was in 2011 when he and his team placed 15th. He will help field a crew consisting of drivers Simon Pagenaud, Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Rockenfeller.

Each year, the NMPA Myers Brothers Award winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership. As he retires from his role as a full-time driver for Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson also leaves behind a legacy that includes a record-tying seven Cup titles and 83 victories in NASCAR’s premier series, tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time list. But Johnson will be remembered equally for his consummate grace under the intense pressure of competition, his friendly and accommodating manner and his engagement with the communities he has called home through the charitable works of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.— NMPA — courtesy of jayski.com

Johnson announced last November the 2020 season would be his final full-time campaign. He plans to compete in select IndyCar races next year and has left the door open to race in other motorsports series and potential NASCAR events as one-offs. Johnson sits sixth on NASCAR’s all-time win list with 83 victories, tied with Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough. Sunday marked his 686th Cup Series start.