CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR wasn't always on the mind of six-time Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.
Growing up in El Cajon, California, Johnson got his start in motocross before making the leap to stock cars and eventually, Sprint Cup.
However, he keeps his ties to the sport through friends who compete, one of those being Justin Brayton, who moved from California to North Carolina in 2009. Johnson and Brayton met in the woods while they were both riding their bicycles, a passion the two share.
The two athletes became fast friends, trading advice and encouragement while enjoying their shared pedaling time.
Racer X Illustrated caught up with the two recently on one of their rides and dedicated a feature to them in their July issue. To see a preview video of the story, click here.
"It's really been a lot of fun getting to know Justin and getting that little porthole to the inside of that sport, and I'll always love it," Johnson said.