Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has revealed that he had the chance to complete one of motorsport's most difficult challenges: The Double.
Talking with Forbes, the driver revealed why he didn't take up the opportunity to race both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same Sunday.
"I had a shot at it this year, and I passed on it," Johnson admitted. "Back in my peak days of being a NASCAR driver, I pursued it, but there were some complications that prevented it from happening.
"It was always a dream. Where I am now and being in an IndyCar once a year, it's not where I need to be. I passed on the opportunity."
As co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, his focus is currently on building a strong NASCAR team, leaving him terribly underprepared for not only a stressful weekend of racing, but a demanding race itself in the Indy 500.
He does have experience in the sport, however. Johnson spent two seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing before stepping back from IndyCar in 2023.
“This was a difficult choice for me, but in my heart, I know it’s the right one," he said at the time, via Forbes.
He almost attempted The Double with Team Penske in the midst of his five consecutive championship wins, but for a number of reasons he decided against the idea.
Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Photo by: Mike Ehrmann - Getty Images
While Johnson won't be taking on such a task, Kyle Larson will be, as he attempts The Double for the second time in his career this Sunday. If successful, he would join only four other drivers to pull off the feat: John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch.
2024 saw Larson fail in this regard as poor weather stopped him from joining the race at Charlotte. He opted to stay at Indianapolis where he finished P18. This year, the pressure is on as Prime Video is on the ground to film him for a documentary that will follow his (hopeful) successful completion.
“Kyle’s double attempt is one of the most exciting storylines in all of sports, and we’re thrilled to be part of it,” Stacey Rosenson, head of U.S. sports marketing, Prime Video told IndyCar. “As we prepare to broadcast our first NASCAR Cup Series race with the Coca-Cola 600, having this kind of historic moment unfold live on Prime Video – and capturing it in a documentary film – is a truly unique opportunity.
"We’re looking forward to sponsoring Kyle’s effort and taking fans inside the intensity and emotion that go with it.”
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