Jimmie Johnson goes deep on his Indy 500 debut: ‘We have a real shot to win this thing’

INDIANAPOLIS – Heading into one of the biggest races of his storied career, there is virtually no pressure for Jimmie Johnson in his Indy 500 debut.

The seven-time Cup Series champion is well aware what winning the 106th edition of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing would mean to a career that already is a first-ballot lock for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

But on the eve of having a chance to join racing legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as the only drivers to win the Indy 500 and Daytona 500, Johnson said it’s been as much about soaking in the moment than goal-setting.

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“I haven’t felt really any pressure that I felt with the championships and other major moments,” Johnson told NBC Sports. “There’s not that pressure of ‘I’ve got to perform’ on top of this is a really awesome opportunity, and I want to enjoy it and all that. Who knows, race day might be different.

“So far it’s all been about how much fun I’m having and really savoring the opportunity I have here to run an Indy 500 and obviously be this competitive. So I’ve enjoyed this quite a bit. I think I’ve savored it far more than my real job and those real moments that I had shooting for those seven championships.”

Packed house! #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/KFqZgs6Yvp

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 28, 2022

While he never dreamed of racing NASCAR growing up, Johnson has fond memories of watching the Indy 500 annually with his father and grandfather on the family couch in El Cajon, California.

During Sunday’s parade lap, Johnson will be waving to his father, Gary, who will be spotting from Turn 3 at the 2.5-mile oval and attending