SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Seven-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for coronaviurs.
The test was made public Friday, just two days before he was set to roll off fourth in the Brickyard 400 on Sunday. The positive test means Johnson will not compete in the race.
Hendrick Motorsports, the team Johnson races for, says he has not experienced any symptoms and says his wife, Chandra Johnson, also tested positive after she was experiencing “allergy-like symptoms.
“My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates,” Johnson said in a statement. “I’ve never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it’s going to be very hard to watch from the sidelines when I’m supposed to be out there competing.”
This is Johnson’s final year in full-time NASCAR Cup competition.
“Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I’m going to come back ready to win races and put ourselves in playoff contention,” he added.
Johnson had also been expected to test an IndyCar next week as he considers viable career options for after he retires from NASCAR. That test has been postponed until Johnson tests negative.
Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier will replace Johnson in the #48-car in the Brickyard 400.
