Jimmie Johnson honored for seventh NASCAR title that's 'still sinking in'
Jimmie Johnson never dreamed as big as winning one NASCAR Premier Series championship, let alone a record-tying seven of them.
On Friday night at the Sprint Cup Series Awards banquet in Las Vegas, Johnson reflected on the unfathomable road he's traveled down to becoming arguably the greatest NASCAR driver of all-time after being introduced by Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all-time.
"When I say this, it really is no joke. My goal growing up was to win a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race or a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race," Johnson said on stage during the awards ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas. "Just one. To be here on the stage tonight with our seventh championship, I'm going to be honest, it's still sinking in. This is mind-blowing."
Along with tying legends Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt, another impressive part about Johnson's career is all his accomplishments have been reached while driving the same No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
"I consider it a huge accomplishment that it's been one owner, one sponsor, one manufacturer, one driver, one crew chief and one car chief for 15 years," Johnson said.
Johnson began his speech by congratulating three-time Premier Series champion Tony Stewart on a remarkable driving career.
"Thanks for the fun times, Tony," said Johnson. "So many have said it tonight in this room -- you've brought so much personality to our sport and you've done so much for auto racing in general."
He then gave props to crew chief Chad Knaus while reflecting on what the dynamic duo had accomplished just two weeks ago.
"Knaus ... like, dude, really? Is this really happening? This is so insane," Johnson said. "If people could have heard myself, Chad and the team on the front stretch at Homestead, we were just beside ourselves. To experience it all with you buddy ... I love you like a brother."
"This race team is full of the most dedicated and talented guys I've ever been around," he added. "And as I mentioned, the celebration on the frontstretch in Homestead was the ultimate moment for all of us. We were absolutely losing our minds. And that moment in time will forever make me smile. Thank you, guys."
Johnson also took time to express gratitude for former teammate and close friend Jeff Gordon, co-owner of the No. 48.
"Thank you for being a mentor and a friend. I will be forever grateful of this opportunity," Johnson said.
After clinching the title at Homestead, Johnson said he felt calmness in a nerve-racking championship race that should have left him feeling anything but even-keeled.
And according to Johnson, he felt team owner Rick Hendrick's son, the late Ricky Hendrick, who was one of those lost in a tragic plane crash en route to Martinsville Speedway in October 2004, was riding with him during the special and historic night.
"I felt you brother. You were there those last few laps, without a doubt," an emotional Johnson said. "I could honestly say that was the most spiritual experience I've ever had in my life."
Johnson closed his championship speech by reading a quote from Dale Earnhardt's 1994 banquet speech after tying Richard Petty with seven titles, as Earnhardt said despite the feat, he'd never be The King.
In typical class-act fashion, Johnson echoed Earnhardt's words.
"I might have won as many championships as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, but I will never be The King or The Intimidator. I'm just a guy from California who has always wanted to race."
