Jimmie Johnson returned to the NASCAR Cup Series for his second race of the 2023 season in a stacked field of racing stars at Circuit of the Americas. Unfortunately, Johnson did not make it one lap after a wreck knocked him out of the race.
The seven-time champion released a few significant updates on his 2023 NASCAR schedule before and after the race at Circuit of the Americas.
Jimmie Johnson provides updates on his NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2023
Johnson competed in his first NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2023 season at the Daytona 500 and was poised to finish in the top 10 spots before a wreck near the end of the race gave him a 31st-place finish.
The Legacy Motor Club owner took a four-race break and returned to action for the Cup Series event at Circuit of the Americas. It was one of the races that Johnson name-dropped on his bucket list.
The driver of the No. 84 car’s next scheduled race is the Coca-Cola 600 in almost five weeks but he has been talked about for another race. The NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway is a popular pick among race fans but will he run the event?
Johnson admitted in a press conference that he has thought about running the All-Star Race; however, the event is too close and Legacy Motor Club is not prepared for it. However, the door for next year’s All-Star Race is not closed.
There was also a question asked during Johnson’s press conference that related to other tracks he is interested in going to that have been added to his schedule. This is what he had to say.
“I will go to the (Chicago Street Course). I want to be a part of that…Nashville, you’re talking about the oval, right, because they aren’t doing downtown. I raced there a long time ago in a Busch car and I really enjoyed the track and had a lot of testing laps there back when we were allowed to test. I’d love to go to Nashville. It’s not on my radar as of now, but fun cities, fun places, and great energy…that’s where I can really help our race team is to help our team shine in those bigger markets.”
Jimmie Johnson on his 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule
Johnson’s tally for the 2023 season is up to four races with the Daytona 500, Circuit of the Americas, Coca-Cola 600, and Chicago Street Course. All are major events and show that he is focused on those bucket-list races this year.
FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass asked Johnson if he would add a race to his schedule due to the early wreck at Circuit of the Americas but he was unsure. Hopefully, the NASCAR legend does add a race because the sport is better with him racing and being involved.
What are some more races that Johnson could run this year? Continue reading to find out some good possibilities moving forward.
Related: Jimmie Johnson could become majority owner of Legacy Motor Club
3 more races that Jimmie Johnson should run during the 2023 season
Johnson already has four scheduled races on his calendar but the seven-time champion is open to running up to 10 events this year. Therefore, what are some other tracks that make sense for him?
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway is quickly approaching but it would represent a great event for Johnson to run. He has had tremendous success at Dover in the past with 11 victories.
It also represents the last win of Johnson’s NASCAR career when he claimed the trophy on June 4, 2017. There has been no announcement but the event is scheduled to run in approximately three weeks.
Next, the Southern 500 would be a good option for Johnson as it represents a solid track for him. It is one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events and Johnson has two victories in the prestigious event in 2004 and 2012.
The goal for the Legacy Motor Club owner has been to race in bucket list events. The Southern 500 would represent just that and the organization has plenty of time to prepare for it as it won’t take place until September 3.
Finally, the Charlotte ROVAL would be another good addition as Johnson has some unfinished business at the venue. The seven-time champion was in a great spot to win the inaugural race in 2018 but lost the car going into the final turns.
Johnson has more road course racing experience due to the NTT IndyCar Series so it could be one of his best opportunities to claim his first NASCAR win since the 2017 season. If these three races were added, it would bring his total up to seven events.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Richmond Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway!