Chase Elliott paid a tribute to Jimmie Johnson not just for his on-track success but also for the person he is.
Phoenix will be a special place for both the Hendrick Motorsports driver. For Chase having won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship and for Johnson as the last race before retiring as a full-time Cup driver.
While Elliott has a lot of years ahead of him in the Cup Series, Johnson closes a major chapter of his career. Speaking about his 45-year-old teammate, Elliott said:
“Jimmie has been such a standup guy. All the things that everybody talks about, the way he carries himself.
“Obviously, his on-track success speaks for itself.
“But everybody that has had the pleasure of knowing Jimmie Johnson is most proud of him. They are most grateful for his friendship & the example he sets off the race track. Just proud to have had him as friend.”
Elliott also said that he would continue being friends with Johnson who has been a supportive teammate throughout the No. 9 driver’s career.
He also said that he doubts whether anyone would reach the level of success that Johnson had. After all, Johnson won seven championships in his career.
Having opened his account, who knows maybe Elliott can reach that level.
[Read More: The moment Bill Elliott knew that Chase would go on to win a Championship]