CONCORD, N.C. – For seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, cycling gives the driver “a great break in the craziness of life.”
Featured in Bicycling Magazine’s September issue, Johnson chronicles his journeys as a race car driver and a cyclist – discussing a variety of topics including his involvement with the NASCAR cycling club, his support for cycling safety and how riding helps him get through the grueling, 40-week Cup Series season.
“Before I started riding, I would be frustrated that I didn’t know what to do in the downtime,” Johnson said. “Of course, I’d rather be home with my family, but let’s say I’m in New Hampshire—there’s this amazing downhill park a half-hour from the track, so I know what my Saturday afternoon looks like. It’s brought a level of enjoyment to the travel that wasn’t there before.”
As he does week-to-week with his No. 48 Chevy on the racetrack, Johnson finds himself closely analyzing the mechanical side of his and his competitor’s bikes also.
“The DNA of most of the racers, we’re all tech junkies,” Johnson said. “We obsess over the mechanical aspects on racecars, and it carries over to the bike. You show up to ride, and you look around at who’s riding what. What are those wheels? Are you on ceramic bearings? Wait, there are ceramic chains, too?! It’s aero this, aero that, there’s that same foundation between the two sports.”
To learn more about Johnson’s cycling endeavors, including how he finally convinced former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. to get into cycling, check out the full story here.