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Report: Jimmie Johnson Returning to NASCAR with Petty GMS

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Report: Jimmie Johnson Returning to NASCARAdam Glanzman - Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson may be on the fast track back to the NASCAR Cup Series.

According to a published report in The Athletic, Johnson is in the process of acquiring an ownership stake in Petty GMS Racing organization. As part of the deal, the 47-year-old Johnson will drive for the team in select races next season.

Petty GMS Racing is led by Maury Gallagher and Richard Petty. Petty sold controlling interest in the team to Gallagher at the end of 2021.


Johnson competed in the Cup Series from 2001-2020 where he won 83 races and seven championships, including five consecutive championships from 2006-2010. But that entire tenure was with one team, Hendrick Motorsports. He raced full time for Hendrick in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2000.

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Johnson retired from NASCAR after the 2020 season to pursue other challenges. Since then, he raced in select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events and in IndyCar. Johnson raced the full season in IndyCar in 2022. He finished 21st in the season points standings.

Johnson released a statement on September 26, saying that he is stepping away from racing full time in IndyCar going forward to “participate in bucket list events.” And surprisingly, it looks like some races still on that list, fall under the NASCAR banner.