Jimmie Johnson retires from full-time racing

Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is retiring from full-time racing to spend more time with his family.

The news was first reported by the Associated Press on Monday and later confirmed by Johnson via social media.

Johnson has already retired from NASCAR after the 2020 season and has since competed in IndyCar primarily for Chip Ganassi Racing.

Nevertheless, Johnson's racing career is nothing short of historic. He holds the record for most consecutive Cup Series victories (five from 2006-2010); he won for the sixth time in 2013 and for the seventh time in 2016. Along with Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt, he is one of only three drivers to win the Cup Series seven times. Like Petty and Earnhardt, Johnson won all seven championships with the same team, in his case driving the number 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

Johnson's farewell message leaves open the possibility of a return to racing in other series and special events such as a return appearance at the Goodwood Revival in 2022. Johnson is 47 years old and could still have some gas left in the tank if the right opportunity presents itself.

One possibility is to drive a modified NASCAR Next Generation racecar in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. Hendrick Motorsports plans to enter this car as a special Garage 56 entry.

Another possibility for Johnson is to enter the IMSA Sports Car Championship or the lower classes of the FIA World Endurance Championship, but nothing has been decided yet.

Johnson told the Associated Press that a decision on his racing future would be made in the coming months.