Jimmie Johnson drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 2023, but it seems this time was a lot more fun when the 7-time Cup Champ was at the 94th edition of the race on Saturday as a fan instead. 

Johnson was interviewed trackside and spoke about his experience as a spectator for the first time, and Dale Jr. noticed something about that interview that probably had him rolling over in laughter. 

Throughout the interview, Johnson seemed to be in a relaxed, fun mood, slurring words while being interviewed. 

Dale Jr and Johnson have been friends for a long time, and Junior knew exactly what the Legacy Motor Club owner was up to when he was at Le Mans as a fan. He retweeted the interview on X and wrote,

“I know this guy. His name is Jimmie Jam. You haven't lived until you have raised hell with Jimmie Jam. What a Legend. 🍻”

And it wasn't just Junior, but fans too chimed in, enjoying Johnson's fun mood. 

In the tweet, Dale Jr referred to Johnson as 'Jimmie Jam'. It was a fun callback to the children's book he wrote, Buster and the Race Car Graveyard.

In the book, a character named Jimmy Jam is a central figure, inspired by Jimmie Johnson. Jimmy Jam and his team, Puncy Motorsports, tackle their fears, showing bravery. 

While Junior called back to Johnson, the interview itself showed the LMC owner trying his best to keep his composure while having a great time trackside. Although he fumbles, there is an emotional layer to his answers. 

Johnson recalls driving Le Mans at night

Johnson was interviewed in the morning and immediately spoke on the difference between being there the first time as a competitor and then as a fan. 

“I’m so happy to be here. What a incredible experience. I was here in 2023, but to be here as a fan and soak it all in. Such a special weekend.”

Asked about his experience of driving through the night, his answer was a bit cryptic yet wholesome. 

Johnson said, “Most on straight. Can’t see much in the distance. You can see the corner. For the chicane that’s there and the history that's behind everything that it deserves to be, and I felt like a kid in that moment, living it. It’s just the most incredible thing.”

Johnson said he was there just as a fan, not in any official capacity or as the guest of any particular team. But he did reveal that he was supporting Toyota, whose No. 7 team won with Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries, and Mike Conway.

Johnson would also have been happier post-Le Mans, after finding out that both his LMC Toyotas, driven by Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, finished in the top 10 at Pocono.

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason