Johnson, who joined Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda’s IndyCar team in 2021, competed only on road and street courses during that first season, earning best results of 17th in the final two rounds.
However, for 2022, he went full-time in the #48 car and predictably shone on the ovals, taking sixth pace at Texas Motor Speedway.
He then qualified 12th for the Indianapolis 500, apparently undaunted by a couple of huge saves, and while he crashed out of the race with just a handful of laps to go, he won the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year title.
Sixteenth places at Mid-Ohio and Laguna Seca would remain his best road course performances, but on the ovals he continued to impress, a fifth place at Iowa Speedway being the highlight.
On social media this morning, the 47-year-old legend declared: “I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in the IndyCar Series.
“They have truly showed me that there are no finish lines in life. Along with Carvana, The American Legion, Ally, cbdMD and Frank August were there every step of the way and I couldn’t have done it without all of them. Most importantly – and the true rockstars in all of this – my family… Chani, Evie and Lydia… they have always allowed me to chase my dreams and we are all just really excited about what the future holds for all of us. I have enjoyed every minute of these last two years.”
