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Kevin Harvick Unpacks Jimmie Johnson’s Only NASCAR Regret

Originally posted on EssentiallySports
By Sumedha Mukherjee | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 12:58 AM ET

In 2020, Jimmie Johnson let go of an ambition. When he clinched his Cup Series title in 2016, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt’s 7 championships. After that, he created a hashtag for his social media – #Chasing8, as he wanted to topple even Petty and Earnhardt. Yet he could not do so, and subsequently made peace with it. Presently, however, Johnson’s battles with his fellow record-holders continue in different ways.

Jimmie Johnson is currently deeply involved with managing Legacy Motor Club. With a string of encouraging finishes in 2025, the former champion has high hopes for his Toyota team. But while enjoying his time as a team owner, Johnson still harbors regret about his past life as a driver – as Kevin Harvick revealed recently.

Jimmie Johnson feels left out

Granted, all three among Jimmie Johnson, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. were GOATS in their respective eras. But Johnson’s 7-title glory had a few extra layers of achievement. Johnson won those titles in the shortest time of all three drivers’ seven crowns, in just 11 seasons, from 2006 through 2016. He won them under four different title formats and clinched a championship with the most points in 2006. What is more, Johnson’s five-title consecutive streak remains untouchable, with the previous record being three straight by Cale Yarborough from 1976-1978. Despite holding these laurels over his fellow record holders, Johnson feels left out.

Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion, divulged evidence of the same. “In his words, they look at him almost like a no-time champion,” Harvick said about Jimmie Johnson in a ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’ episode. Harvick continued, “It was really interesting to hear him say that…he went out to the front of the racetrack and they were selling seven-time Richard Petty merchandise and they were selling seven-time Dale Earnhardt merchandise and they both had merchandise lines…and he’s like, ‘I don’t have anything out there.’ I just find it so bizarre.”

After winning in the 12-driver format between 2006 and 2010, Jimmie Johnson seamlessly adjusted to a new 10-driver format, winning again in 2013. Then, the current elimination playoff format also could not escape his domination, as Johnson won in 2016. Hence, journalist Bob Pockrass reminded people of the incredible feats of Johnson. “Jimmie Johnson, I feel won most of his championships in the hardest format around, right? Winning those 10 race chases was, I thought, one of the most difficult things to do…you had to be so good at all different types of tracks.”

After retiring from full-time NASCAR competition in 2020, Jimmie Johnson tried his hand at other disciplines. Bob Pockrass also shed light on that: “When Jimmie went IndyCar racing, when we asked him, ‘Why would you do it?’ It was almost because I can, right? And like, how many people can just do what they want, right, after having such a career?”

Although Jimmie Johnson’s merchandise is not in high demand like Petty’s or Earnhardt’s, his achievements are not forgotten. What is more, the veteran still keeps achieving in Legacy Motor Club‘s garage.

Keeping a youthful mindset

Jimmie Johnson has been known for his athletic endeavors. Outside of stock car racing, Johnson has enrolled in marathon runs. In 2019, he completed the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon in 3 hours, 9 minutes, and 7 seconds. Thus, he proved that he can be fast off the racetrack as well. Presently, Johnson keeps proving that he is younger than his age, having turned 50 last month. From handling a lawsuit with Rick Ware Racing to preparing for LMC’s expansion, Johnson keeps himself very busy. With NASCAR racing San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in 2026, Johnson has expressed interest in running that race.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Johnson shed light on his youthful work. “I don’t feel 50 mentally, and part of that is I still have so much to learn. Being an athlete, you’re exposed to a lot. As athletes, we’re highly focused on a few areas, but not as well-rounded as others. This journey on the ownership side — running a company, operations, all the different layers to it — has been a crash course.” Yet Johnson also admitted to a disconnect: “I don’t know what half the acronyms mean when I sit in a meeting. There are things I’ve never experienced: having an HR person to talk to or report to, all these basics for the business world that are brand new to me at 50.”

Nevertheless, Jimmie Johnson keeps pushing himself like no other. The Legacy Motor Club owner is an exemplar in terms of his star-studded career and continued passion.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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