CONCORD, N.C. -- This weekend, fans were able to see a different side of Jimmie Johnson as he captured his record-tying seventh career NASCAR Sprint Cup championship.
Along for the ride was Liz Kreutz -- a documentary sports photographer -- who chronicled Johnson's weekend on his Instagram account, from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Homestead, Florida, and everything in between.
Follow along with Johnson's weekend below.
Blown away by the energy today at the @HendrickMotorsports/@LowesHomeImprovement sendoff for Jimmie and @lowesracing. The passion of this team is incredible! #se7en --@LizKreutz
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Since I’m new to NASCAR, Jimmie took me on a tour of @teamhendrick. He walked me through Ricky Hendrick’s hauler, showing me the meaning of the hashtag #se7en. Hearing him look at the photos on the wall and reminisce at those memories with Ricky gave me an understanding of just how much his friendship with Ricky meant to him and how hard it still is to not have him around. #se7en is such a touching tribute. -@LizKreutz
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I love this picture, Jimmie looks so peaceful here. He wasn’t scheduled to be up at the shop until later in the day but we arrived early because he told me he wanted to be with his guys. After I took this photo, he told me he never usually gets in his car before the race but this week, he just wanted to get a feel for the car before he arrived in Miami. #se7en -@LizKreutz
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I went to get a photo of Jimmie intently studying race footage on his laptop during our flight from Charlotte to Miami. I was first focusing on Jimmie's screen, but when I saw his daughter Lydia intently studying Thumbelina, I switched the focus to her. She's a mini-Jimmie. #se7en -@LizKreutz
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As a mom of 2 boys close to the ages of Evie and Lydia, I love capturing these special family moments. I want to share more than just JJ the race car driver. #se7en -@LizKreutz
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I'm always looking for a different angle... #se7en -@LizKreutz
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Jimmie took me out on the track last night, he wanted to show me the banking. We walked up Turn 1, I can't believe how steep it was and this isn't even the highest degree of banking in NASCAR! I shouldn't have worn boots. #se7en -@LizKreutz
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I knew Jimmie was an athlete but couldn't believe he was going on a 10 mile run this morning. He told me he was just keeping his routine of a long run on Friday mornings, last week he did 15. #se7en -@LizKreutz
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That smile! Such a heartwarming moment before practice between Jimmie and one of his biggest fans, Carlos. He and his family are here with Make-A-Wish and hoping for a No. 48 win on Sunday! #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Knowing when to pull back back and give my subjects space can result in some of my favorite images. This quiet moment is one of them, as Jimmie and Chad discuss their strategy before practice. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Another Friday routine, a bike ride with @mattkenseth between practice and qualifying. 30 miles to organize his thoughts and burn off some energy. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Seeing Jimmie in his element at the track is really interesting. He’s such a laid-back and easygoing guy, yet when he puts on that suit and walks out to his car, the intensity turns up and his focus is laser sharp. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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So cool to see @lowesracing on top of the leaderboard during first practice today. Can't believe we're already coming up on final practice, this weekend is flying by! #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Jimmie's teammates have been around all weekend, providing support and advice. Very cool to see @jeffgordonweb stop by the hauler today and talk to Jimmie about the lines he remembers running last year. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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I went to Jimmie's coach to photograph him making his pre-race dinner. While I was there he FaceTimed his wife @chandrajohnson and daughters and told them how excited he is to see them tomorrow when they come down from South Beach. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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It's incredible that Jimmie is racing for a record-tying 7th championship today. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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It's not often you see serious athletes have such camaraderie with their competitors but with Jimmie, the level of respect he has for his fellow racers is evident and vice versa. I like this shot of him and Tony - even during an emotional weekend for both guys, they're able to share a laugh on pit road and enjoy the friendship they have. Congratulations Tony on an incredible career. #AlwaysRac14ng #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Jimmie was up early this morning, keeping another routine. All throughout breakfast, well wishes from friends and family were pouring in on his phone. Even old friend @maxpapis stopped in for a cup of coffee and some encouragement. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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So cool to be a part of this huddle. These guys are fired up! @lowesracing #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Such a sweet moment with Jimmie's youngest daughter Lydia before he suits up for the race. #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Jimmie passed half the field in 8 laps. Insane! He's flying out there! #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Fastest car on the track right now. He's making this Miami track look good . #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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#SE7EN!!!!
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Witnessed history tonight - what an insane, phenomenal race! This @Gatorade bath from the @lowesracing guys was AWESOME. Where were my goggles!? #soaked #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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Lydia sporting the #1 and Evie's all about the win sticker. The girls know what's up! #se7en #LizTakeOver -@LizKreutz
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