CONCORD, N.C. -- The tributes keep coming for Jimmie Johnson as he continues his farewell tour as a full-time Cup Series driver.
On Saturday, Dover International Speedway unveiled multiple dedications to Johnson before the track's doubleheader weekend began. He now has been permanently memorialized on Dover's victory lane with the moniker "The Monster Mile Master."
“Jimmie Johnson has been The Monster Mile’s greatest champion through the years,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s president and CEO. “As he says farewell to a full-time schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series it is fitting that we celebrate his legacy and memories he gave to thousands of fans here at Dover. He’s been a great ambassador for the sport and for Dover and we can’t thank him enough.
A billboard overlooking Turn 2 will read "Thanks, Jimmie" for the weekend and the road outside the front stretch of the grandstands was renamed Jimmie Johnson Drive. The start of Sunday's race also will see 11 Johnson heads in the grandstands - one for each of his record 11 wins at the track.
“We couldn’t think of two better areas of our property to permanently honor Johnson – outside of victory lane, which has become his home-away-from-home throughout his career, and by renaming the road previously known as Finish Line Drive – now forever known as Jimmie Johnson Drive,” Tatoian said.
"Just a big thank you to all the fans for their support," Johnson said. "I’m not sure this will be my last time to Dover. If it is, just thank you for the memories and the support. The track has meant so much to me. I love that area as well. I really enjoyed my time cycling or going out to eat at the various restaurants around town. So, thank you for welcoming me to your area and I’ve truly enjoyed all the success that I’ve had there.
Johnson will start Sunday's race in 14th after he finished in seventh in Saturday's event. It marked Johnson's 26th top-10 finish at "the Monster Mile."
Sunday's race will start at 4 p.m. ET Sunday on NBCSN. Take a look below to see Johnson being honored at Dover International Speedway.
