CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson was honored in a huge way at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday after the venue unveiled a massive mural of Johnson and presented him with a donation to his foundation.
The driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE saw his legacy cemented permanently at the North Carolina track with a larger-than-life mural that pays homage to Johnson as the winningest NASCAR Cup Series driver in Charlotte Motor Speedway history.
“Jimmie Johnson’s impact on our sport is immeasurable, and there is no track on the circuit where he’s had a more dominant impact than at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith said. “With an amazing 12 career wins at Charlotte to his credit, Jimmie demonstrated a mastery over the competition that is unmatched in our illustrious 61-year history. When it comes to Charlotte, Jimmie Johnson has been THE man to beat.”
The mural is 207 square feet and features images of Johnson's historic victories at the track. It's located on the frontstretch concourse for fans to enjoy for years to come.
Along with the mural, Charlotte Motor Speedway presented Johnson with a check for $48,000 that will go to the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship Fund, which will benefit deserving Cabarrus County high school seniors. The Jimmie Johnson Scholarship Fund will mirror the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which Johnson and his wife Chandra started over a decade ago to aid public school funding.
“Charlotte Motor Speedway will always have a special place in my heart,” Johnson said. “I’ve have shared so much success here across my career. To think that the scholarship will help individuals for years to come means so much to me, to my family and to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. To know that this gift will truly change the recipient’s life – you can’t really put words to how important that is. Marcus and the entire Smith family are great friends and I am very grateful for this honor.”
Johnson was presented with the honor before Sunday's Round of 12 cutoff race at the Charlotte roval. The road course race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be Johnson's last Cup Series race at the venue as a full-time driver.