INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) – For a very long time motor racers caught to their lanes, however more and more drivers like Jimmie Johnson are heading in new instructions looking for racing thrills.
A seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, Johnson put down a well-beaten path to the inventory automotive collection winner’s circle, however on Sunday he’ll tackle the Brickyard’s infamous oval for the primary time in a bid to hitch AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti as the one drivers to win each the Indy and Daytona 500s.
The pull of recent adventures can convey function to completed drivers just like the 46-year-old Johnson who shouldn’t be viewing the Indy 500 as a one-off however a launch pad to a second profession.
“I’m loving this expertise, loving IndyAutomobile,” mentioned Johnson, who certified twelfth for Sunday’s 106th Indy 500. “I’d stick round so long as I may.
“I do not know what that quantity could be, I hope this is not my one and solely Indianapolis 500 begin, I hope this is not my one and solely full-time season within the IndyAutomobile Series both.
“I do not know what that appears like however I’m going to do every thing in my energy to be doing this for years to return.”
The soar from Formula One to IndyAutomobile shouldn’t be an awesome leap. Many drivers from Mario Andretti to Jacques Villeneuve and Romain Grosjean have made the transfer.
There are different avenues open to increasingly more drivers, with many dabbling in sportscars, some drawn to rallying and some intrigued by NASCAR.
Former Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen is simply the newest, asserting on Thursday he’ll make his return to racing in August within the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen.
For a number of drivers a change is a chance to make historical past.
Formula One double-world champion Fernando Alonso famously left the glamour circuit in pursuit of motor racing’s triple crown of victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours and the Indianapolis 500.
The Spaniard received Monaco (twice) and Le Mans however failed twice at his bid for the Indy 500 earlier than returning to Formula One with French outfit Alpine
Aside from aiming to change into simply the third driver to win the Daytona and Indy 500s, Johnson can also be flirting with the concept of one other uncommon motor racing double – operating each the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 that are held the identical day.
“It’s at all times been an curiosity of mine,” admitted Johnson. “I haven’t got something in movement however simply admired it from afar over time watching John Andretti do it as soon as, and Kurt (Busch) do it as soon as and Tony Stewart do it.”
“It’s at all times been on my radar, Not positive if it could possibly ever occur however definitely could be one thing I’m open to it.”
(Reporting by Steve Keating; modifying by Richard Pullin)
