NASCAR LEGENDS BACK ON TRACK!
Jimmie & Junior ready to go racing
NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson is roaring back to the racing circuit after a two-year retirement, and sources tell The National ENQUIRER the speed demon is gunning for former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. to join him! Johnson, 47, who recently became part owner of the Petty GMS racing team, is attempting to lure his old buddy back to the track, so they can compete together and relive their glory days at Hendrick Motorsports, tipsters dish.
While Johnson is slated to make his comeback at the February Daytona 500, where he is a two-time winner, Earnhardt, 48, hit the brakes on his career in NASCAR Cup racing in
2017. Dale packed it in after a series of on-track concussions raised fears for his health, but he recently admitted, “I miss it really bad!”
Now, an insider squeals Johnson’s planned resurgence has Earnhardt all fired up!
“It’s been six years since he retired, but seeing Jimmie coming back has motivated him to take another shot!” the source says. “If doctors clear him, he will take Jimmie up on his offer.”
Spies say Earnhardt isn’t the only one excited by the prospect as NASCAR officials are licking their chops at the thought of both dynamic talents returning!
“Junior was named NASCAR’s most popular driver 15 years in a row before he retired, and the sport has suffered from his absence,” the insider dishes. “And Jimmie was practically the Babe Ruth of the sport.” According to the mole, the duo would give a much-needed jolt to NASCAR — and its TV ratings.
Earnhardt kept his hand in racing by competing in some minor events, but joining Johnson would be his first return to NASCAR, says the source.
Still, the insider points out the veteran drivers would only compete on a part-time basis. Johnson — who is one of only three seven-time NASCAR champs along with Richard Petty and Dale
has only committed to a handful of races this season and isn’t planning to run a full NASCAR slate.
“Jimmie laughs and says his wife, Chandra, thinks he’s gone from home enough as it is!” the source confides.