So, we’ve all had a little over a month to digest the fact that after 2020, one of our sport’s all-time greats will be retiring following the Championship 4 race at ISM Raceway in November. All the conversation seems to be about who will be taking over the 48 car in 2021. I think we should let fate decide that answer.
First off let’s get one thing straight here on Belly Up Sports. Did you not catch the fact that it’s Jimmie Johnson, one of our greats, our example of the modern era, a role model in how championships are won? Apparently not, we’re all caught up in the glitz of who will be taking over the car in 2021. Let’s pump the brakes here. When Richard Petty retired in 1992, it wasn’t about who was taking over the famed 43 car. It was more or less how can we honor such a gentleman of this sport, who was the face, the example, the greatest champion whoever strapped into a racecar.
Jimmie Johnson has had a helluva career, not just in stock cars, but off-road and dirt bikes as well. Never mind he’s had 83 wins and counting, never mind he’s won 7 Championship. Oh and is #Chasing8 one last time. Never mind that he’s done all this with one crew chief, one owner, one great support system at home with wife Chandra, daughters Genevieve and Lydia. It’s almost like fate decided he needed to be in that car for HMS. This should warrant a yearlong celebration mind you, a year to pay tribute. One final year to respect the numbers that this man put up in a 20 year NASCAR career. It will be much later in life when you see someone else win 7 titles. Who knows fate may even have it that you never see another seven-time champion.
Conclusion of Fate
Some fans love him, others can’t stand him for the fact that he was so good, people even said he’s vanilla. Let’s just remember, Jimmie Johnson is a human-like you and me. He will be sorely missed in the garage in 2021, as it will truly be the Next Gen of NASCAR. There will be a new car, young drivers, no more goats that we have all come to know and love. Next time someone asks you who you’d like to be in the 48 car. Just say “let fate decide” because I think he(Johnson) and Cliff Daniels are going to be ready to send JJ off as a champion.
