NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson will be returning to the track at Kentucky Speedway this weekend, just a week after missing the Brickyard 400 after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Jimmie Johnson cleared to return from COVID-19
NASCAR announced on Wednesday that Johnson is cleared to return to racing for this weekend’s race at Kentucky Speedway after he tested negative for COVID-19 twice in the past 48 hours.
Johnson, 44, missed a Cup Series race for the first time in his professional career. Fortunately, he was asymptomatic and was able to recover from the coronavirus pretty quickly.
“My family is so grateful for the incredible love and support we’ve received over the last several days,” Johnson said, via NASCAR. “I especially want to thank Justin Allgaier for stepping in for me at Indy and being a true pro. I’m excited about getting back to business with my team this weekend.”
He was replaced by Justin Allgaier in Sunday’s Brickyard 400. Unfortunately, Allgaier’s run in the 48 car didn’t last long, getting knocked out of the race in a nasty wreck that saw a pit crew member get hit.
Johnson will head into the weekend ranked 15th in the Cup Series standings, just two points behind William Byron.