CONCORD, N.C. – Last weekend, NASCAR stars past and present gathered at Darlington Raceway to celebrate “Seven Decades of NASCAR.”
The tribute event featured several panels, including one titled “New Drivers Behind the Wheel of Iconic Rides.”
Both Chase Elliott and William Byron took part in the question-and-answer session as drivers of the Nos. 9 and 24 Chevrolets, respectively.
Another session, “A View from the Pit Box,” included former Hendrick Motorsports crew chiefs Ray Evernham and Steve Letarte.
But the highlight of the evening belonged to the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions.
Jimmie Johnson, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr., representing his father, shared championship memories from throughout their storied careers.
“First of all, to be on stage with 'The King' for any event is a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “Darlington had a wonderful event celebrating all the decades of racing.”
While the conversation itself was fun for the driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, it was what happened once the panel concluded that stood out the most.
“At the end, being up there with Richard and talking about our championships was a very special moment, but when he asked me for my autograph on this piece of art that they made for the speedway, that just set me back,” Johnson recalled. “I didn’t really know what to think. I actually think I asked him, ‘Are you sure you want my autograph?’ He was like, ‘Absolutely!’”
“So, I then turned and asked for his,” he continued. “I have to admit, that’s probably only my second or third autograph I’ve ever asked for in my life.
“A pretty fun moment, for sure.”