Jimmie Johnson withdraws from Chicago race

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will miss the first race of the playoffs, as he tested positive for COVID-19. Johnson won’t race in Sunday’s event in Chicagoland, and it is unclear as of yet who will be his replacement. This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in NASCAR since the sport resumed earlier this year.

What happened?

Johnson was tested prior to the race in Chicago, under NASCAR’s stringent safety protocols since the outbreak of coronavirus earlier this year. Johnson, who competed in every race in his 19-year career, but instead will miss his first race for COVID-19 reasons. The 44-year old driver began his career in the Cup Series in 2001 and has won 83 races since then.

What does this mean for Jimmie Johnson’s future in NASCAR?

At present, Johnson’s condition is not clear, and it is not known how long it will take for him to return to the sport. However, those looking for positive signs will take heart from the fact that, at present, Johnson is asymptomatic, meaning he should not experience the most severe symptoms of the virus.

Who will replace Jimmie Johnson?

As of now, there is no clarity on who will replace Johnson at the Cup Series race in Chicago. Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson’s team, stated that they have undergone the necessary safety protocols and have identified the members of the team that were in close contact with Johnson. But whoever is chosen for the race will have less than 24 hours to prepare for the event.

Impact on NASCAR

The positive test of the sport’s star at the start of the playoffs has the potential to disrupt NASCAR’s packed schedule ahead. With several races over the next few weeks, Johnson’s absence could be just the beginning of an unpleasant string of events for teams.

The need for caution in NASCAR

The news of Johnson’s positive test is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions in all sports. NASCAR resumed its season in May, introducing precautionary measures including health screenings, wearing face covers, and frequent testing. However, as Johnson’s case shows, it’s challenging to keep an outbreak of COVID-19 entirely at bay. NASCAR, along with other sports, will have to be extra cautious in the upcoming events.

How will this impact the playoffs?

The news of Johnson’s positive test has already affected the Cup Series playoffs. Johnson was one of 16 drivers to qualify for the 2020 playoffs vying for the championship. However, the Hendrick Motorsports driver won’t be able to compete in the upcoming events until he fulfills the requirements of NASCAR’s established quarantine protocol.

Where does Johnson’s absence leave the Hendrick team?

It’s challenging to go into a significant NASCAR race without your lead driver. Hendrick Motorsports has not named a replacement driver for Johnson yet. The team will have to move quickly to get someone ready for the race, and whoever it is, they would need to adapt to the car, team, and conditions quickly.

What’s next for NASCAR?

NASCAR has been careful in avoiding COVID-19 cases since the restart of the season. They have carried out extensive testing, health and safety protocols, and eliminated fans from the premises. Johnson’s positive case makes it clear that the NASCAR protocols aren’t entirely foolproof and could put the playoffs in disarray.

What could NASCAR do to minimise the risk of positive COVID-19 cases?

NASCAR has invested significant resources to keep drivers and fans safe, even introducing a no-fans policy in the stands. The sport will have to be extra careful going forward, considering the risks of COVID-19, and introduce stricter measures. They should look into the activities and interactions of its drivers, teams, and officials, as well as the safety measures in place, to minimise any further positive cases.

Conclusion

This is a first in NASCAR’s safety protocols and shows that, despite all the necessary precautions, the virus can still spread. With NASCAR’s packed schedule ahead, the consequences of Johnson’s absence could be monumental. It is a grim reminder that we’re still living in a pandemic, and we all need to be extra cautious.

FAQs

Q: Was Jimmie Johnson the first NASCAR driver to test positive for COVID-19?

A: Yes, Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to officially test positive for COVID-19 since the sport resumed activities earlier this year.

Q: Is Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR career now in jeopardy?

A: Not necessarily. At this point, it is unclear when Johnson will be able to return to the sport. But as long as he is able to return and pass the required safety protocols, then his career should not be in jeopardy.

Q: Who is Jimmie Johnson?

A: Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s biggest stars. He has won 83 races in his 19-year career.

Q: How will Johnson’s absence affect the playoffs?

A: Johnson was one of 16 drivers to qualify for the 2020 playoffs vying for the championship. His absence could put him out of contention, depending on how soon he returns and what the protocol for his return is.

Q: What precautions has NASCAR taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

A: NASCAR has been conducting extensive testing, health and safety protocols, and eliminated the fans from the stands since the sport restarted.