Perhaps lost amid the headlines and statistics of Jimmie Johnson’s historic seventh championship last weekend was that the 41-year-old also earned his 80th career win.
Johnson was victorious in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, earning him his seventh title and fifth win the season. He has won multiple races since he began his full-time Sprint Cup Series career in 2002.
With 80 career wins, Johnson is the winningest active driver in the series ahead of Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth (38) and sits seventh on the all-time wins list. He is three victories behind Cale Yarborough for sixth on the list and four victories behind Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip for fifth.
Also ahead of Johnson is his former teammate Jeff Gordon (93), as well as David Pearson (105). Richard Petty’s 200 wins seem insurmountable, but Johnson was asked on Twitter if he could reach Pearson’s mark.
I don't think anyone will get to it. https://t.co/img2ek4M3e
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2016
Johnson held an impromptu Q&A Saturday while traveling. The reason being not that he was bored as one fan asked, but “slightly hungover and enjoying it.” The fun will continue for Johnson next week as he participates in activities in Las Vegas ahead of Friday night’s awards banquet.
Here are some of the questions Johnson answer during his flight.
No chance, I've seen him drive. The kid is tough on the right side of his car. https://t.co/oOzEEIiuQQ
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2016
There were so many. Salem, Tri City, Nashville Fairgrounds, Anderson... https://t.co/HrPgkU7bTd
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2016
I crash too much, I need to race in the states. Parker or Barstow were my favorite areas, I would do one of those in a heartbeat. https://t.co/7CPfFIt0mI
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2016
The way to create speed... NASCAR=Loose balance and IndyCar=Tight balance
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 26, 2016
So I'm told, I've never been in a open wheel car. https://t.co/hbtFgZngg4