Jimmie Johnson Marks 700th NASCAR Start at Charlotte Motor Speedway
CHARLOTTE, NC – This weekend, Jimmie Johnson celebrates a significant milestone in his illustrious NASCAR career: his 700th race start, taking place at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he debuted on October 7, 2001.
Reflecting on his journey, Johnson remarked, “In a joking sense, I’ve been saying that I’m officially old. These moments—Hall of Fame, 700 starts—help me realize how long I’ve been at it.” This milestone emphasizes the unique symmetry of his career, as his initial race and this landmark start occur on the same track.
Starting from relative obscurity as a rookie driver, Johnson’s career trajectory has been extraordinary. He noted, “That anything is possible,” recognizing that his path to becoming a seven-time Cup Series champion and car owner of the No. 84 for Legacy Motor Club was unforeseen.
Throughout his career, Johnson has achieved remarkable success at Charlotte. He has secured eight wins at the speedway, including four in the Coca-Cola 600—just one win shy of Darrell Waltrip’s record for the event. Johnson has led 1,936 laps at this track, making it one of his most successful venues, second only to Dover and Martinsville in race victories and laps led.
Despite his achievements, Johnson expressed surprise at reaching 700 starts, stating, “When I was told 700 at Charlotte, I was like, you’ve got to be [expletive] me, there is no way.” His dedication has been evident, as he maintained a streak of 663 consecutive starts until interrupted by a positive COVID-19 test in 2020.
As he prepares for this monumental race, Johnson reflects on his career and the unexpected turns it has taken. “It took the number to be here for me to grasp it,” he concluded, encapsulating the essence of a journey defined by resilience and triumph.
With 83 career wins, including multiple triumphs at Charlotte, Johnson’s legacy within NASCAR is solidified as he continues to embrace new challenges on and off the track.
