"You got a whole bunch of stuff" - When Jimmie Johnson showed former President Barack Obama under the hood of his NASCAR car
In 2009, Jimmie Johnson took a turn into the White House parking and showed off his #48 Chevy to Barack Obama. The former Democratic president also looked under the hood and enthusiastically inquired about the stock car.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Johnson was honored by the first American-African president of the United States on the South Portico of the White House. Johnson met Obama after winning his third Cup Series championship in a row.
In the YouTube video, the seven-time Cup Series champion Johnson explained the specs and build of the car before moving on to elaborating on the driver's seat. As the California native described the updated safety measures for the driver and switches on the dashboard, the Democratic party member remarked:
"Now, you got a whole bunch of stuff. This does not look like my dashboard, guys. It looks a little different." [1:03]
Moreover, Obama candidly asked Johnson if he was ever handed a speeding ticket or gets a pass as they "talk about racing". To this, Johnson replied:
"I'm able to get out my aggression on the track and keep it off the streets." [2:29]
Johnson's prowess was then witnessed by many as he went on to make the three championships to five in a row and, later on, ended with two more Cup Series titles.
As things stand, the 49-year-old has transitioned to part-time racing and has become a part-owner of the Cup team, Legacy Motor Club.
"I'm a result-oriented guy": Jimmie Johnson makes his feelings known for the 2025 NASCAR season
Former Rick Hendrick driver Jimmie Johnson retired full-time after the 2020 season and has accumulated 83 wins in over two decades of racing. However, the NASCAR legend has now primarily shifted his focus to building and engineering the two full-time entries in the Cup Series
During the Phoenix race weekend, Johnson spoke with renowned journalist Dustin Albino and addressed his future of running part-time in the 2025 season. He said:
"For 2025, we will make sure we use the [No. 84] car in the right capacity and in the right way so it doesn’t take anything away from the [Nos.] 42 or the 43,” Johnson said. “We will see how many times Jacob [Canter, director of competition at Legacy Motor Club] lets me go out and drive."
Johnson also emphasized himself by running part-time in the #84 Toyota.
"I’m a result-oriented guy,” Johnson added. "It’s hard not to have that weigh on you at times. Picking a goal, having a reason and a purpose for why we’re running a third car is very helpful."
While the #42 and #43 Toyotas managed only one top-five combined, Johnson has had several changes under Legacy Motor Club, including a recent crew chief change for John Hunter Nemechek.