Jimmie Johnson becomes first NASCAR driver to test positive for the coronavirus

[Zorro]

Source: LA Times

Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus and will miss this weekend’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 44-year-old Johnson is the first driver in any NASCAR series to test positive and the news cast a shadow over the historic NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader races coming up Saturday and Sunday. There was no indication any races would be affected.

Hendrick Motorsports said Johnson will not return until he is cleared by a physician. Has no symptoms, but was tested today after his wife tested positive.

Johnson earlier Friday held a Zoom session with reporters to discuss Sunday’s race and an upcoming test of an Indy car on the road course at the fabled venue. He will now miss that test, as well as what was supposed to be his final Brickyard 400. Justin Allgaier will replace him Sunday in the No. 48 Chevrolet.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-07-03/jimmie-johnson-first-nascar-driver-test-positive-coronavirus

[Nitram]

1. OK, that's like the most insignificant milestone I think I've ever seen.

[Liberty Belle]

2. Oh, that's sad. This is his final season, and he just took a big stand against racism.

It was Johnson who first announced he would stand with the black driver who had a noose left in his stall, and then all the drivers joined to push Bubba's car to the front of the pack.

A week before that, Johnson dropped a major sponsor who made racist tweets over NASCAR banning confederate flags.

Jimmie Johnson was raised in my neighborhood, El Cajon California, and is a hometown hero for not forgetting his roots -- he's given millions of dollars to help poor kids in local schools that he attended.

I hope he and his wife will be okay.

[Elwood P Dowd]

4. Jimmie Johnson is one of the nice guys in NASCAR.

Seems like just a few years ago when he was a rookie, but now he's on his retirement tour after 19 Cup seasons, 83 wins and 7 championships. Time flies.

[tinrobot]

3. This liberal hardly knows who he is, but NASCAR fans might take note.

Maybe they'll think twice and wear a goddamn mask.

[gab13by13]

5. I don't follow NASCAR very much,

but I believe that most die hard Trumpers hate Jimmy Johnson.

[OxQQme]

6. Harsh words tin

Do you wear a goddam mask 24/7?

[MichMan]

7. He caught it from his wife

Do you wear a goddamn mask when you are inside your own home?