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Jimmie Johnson
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Jimmie Johnson is one of the top race car drivers in NASCAR today. He is most famous for winning three straight NASCAR sprint cup championships. Only one other race car driver, Cale Yarborough, in NASCAR history has won three straight.
Jimmie Kenneth Johnson was born in El Cajon, California on September 17, 1975. Before coming to NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2002, Jimmie raced in several leagues including SODA, SCORE international, the ASA circuit, and the NASCAR Busch Series. He was very successful in all of these racing leagues winning many races, championships, and rookie of the year awards.
Today Jimmie Johnson drives the number 48 car for Hendrick Motor Sports. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie's current team mate, helped Jimmie get the job. The main sponsor for the car is Lowe's and it's a Chevrolet.
How did Jimmie Johnson get into racing?
Jimmie started racing at the early age of 5. He first raced motorcycles and was the 60cc motorbike champion at 8 years old. From there Jimmie worked his way up through many racing leagues until he finally reached NASCAR. Jimmie's mom and dad were heavily involved in his early career working hard to drive him from track to track and even pitching in and helping with the races.
How good has Jimmie Johnson been as a NASCAR driver?
Jimmie Johnson's success in NASCAR is truly amazing. He has finished in the top 5 in points every year. He actually has finished #1 (three times) or #2 (twice) in all but his rookie season. He has won 40 races in 6 years, which is second only to Jeff Gordon. Jimmie also tied a NASCAR record with 4 straight wins in 2007. Even this early in his career, Jimmie Johnson already is being considered one of the top drivers in NASCAR history.
Fun Facts about Jimmie Johnson
- Jimmie Johnson owns his own jet to fly to and from races each week.
- He currently lives with his wife, Chandra, in Mooresville, NC.
- In the Chevy Monte Carlo 400 (2002), Jimmie had the cartoon characters Tweety & Sylvester painted on his car.
- The Jimmie Johnson Foundation helps needy kids and families pursue their dreams.
- He was the first rookie to lead in the NASCAR cup points race.
- In 2007, Jimmie donated his winnings from the Atlanta Motor Speedway cup race to the Red Cross to help support California wildfire victims.
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Kid's Poll |
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Which of these cities would you most like to visit on vacation?
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Joke of the Day |
Q: Knock, knock----Who's there?----Nobel----Nobel who?
A: No bell, that's why I knocked!
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Today In History |
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Who was born on this day:
1859 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author of Sherlock Holmes novels)
1982 Apollo Anton Ohno (Olympic speed skater)
What happened today in history:
1960 The strongest earthquake ever recorded (9.5) hits Chile.
1967 The first episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
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