Sports world reacts to NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson testing positive for COVID-19

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson at Homestead Speedway

It has now hit the NASCAR world. With the sport having returned a few weeks ago, it was a surprise that no driver had tested positive for COVID-19.

That’s now changed. Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for the virus and will not be able to compete in this weekend’s Brickyard 400.

Johnson himself will not be able to return until he’s cleared by doctors. In his stead, Hendrick Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier will replace Johnson in the lineup Sunday in Indianapolis.

Of significance here is the fact that the legendary Johnson has announced his retirement following the season. He has not missed a single race in 663 starts since turning pro. He will not be able to compete in one final Brickyard 400.

Needless to say, the sports world had its reaction to Friday’s huge news.

Jimmie Johnson, 44, has not experienced symptoms of COVID-19. He was tested upon learning this morning that his wife, Chandra, tested positive after experiencing allergy-like symptoms. He tested positive. Justin Allgaier will be in the car Sunday. #nascar @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 3, 2020

Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19, Hendrick Motorsports says. Justin Allgaier will replace him at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend; Johnson cannot return to the track until being cleared by a doctor.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) July 3, 2020

We wish @JimmieJohnson and his wife Chandra well as they recover from COVID-19. We look forward to him being back behind the wheel of the Ally 48 soon. https://t.co/IO0XZuxsAK
— Ally Racing (@allyracing) July 3, 2020

Jimmie Johnson is 12th in the standings and 63 points ahead of the current cutoff. He has the longest consecutive start streak among active drivers at 663, which will end with his missing the race Sunday. Next is Kevin Harvick at 655. #nascar @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 3, 2020

Jimmie Johnson fans after he tests positive for COVID #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/UaygVrj9jk
— NASCAR Memes (@NASCAR_Memes_) July 3, 2020

Pray for Jimmie Johnson 🙌🏽 No one deserves to go out like this for their last year. Hoping for a speedy recovery #SevenTime
— Justin Champagne (@ChampagneRacin) July 3, 2020

.@JimmieJohnson, Jimmie Nation is wishing you a speedy recovery! We’re gonna miss you behind the wheel of the fabled 48 & it’s a shame you can’t run one last Brickyard, but health comes first. We love you & we hope to see you back real soon! ❤️4️⃣8️⃣❤️ pic.twitter.com/cYPwQUPPxU
— Keith Marek | #di9 #JJ84 (@KeithMarek) July 3, 2020

@JimmieJohnson – Best of luck to you and Chani, champ. Wish you and your family all the best.
— Tom Jensen (@tomjensen100) July 3, 2020

Of statistical significance, @JimmieJohnson has never missed a Cup race in his career and has made 663 consecutive starts, most among active drivers #NASCAR
— Brian Eberly (@beberly18) July 3, 2020