New Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson thinks that Jimmie Johnson’s achievements in the Cup Series deserve more attention.
Back in NASCAR, Larson signed with HMS for the No. 5 Chevrolet. While teammate Alex Bowman will be taking Johnson’s No. 48 seat, it is Larson in terms of personnel who is replacing the seven-time champion.
While Larson won’t be a teammate to Johnson, the No. 5 driver holds huge respect for the former No. 48 drivers and believes that his achievements don’t get the recognition they deserve.
“I think what Jimmie was able to do to win all his championships. It has been something that probably doesn’t honestly get talked about enough,” said Larson.
“In this era, given how competitive and close everybody’s equipment is and how close drivers are. And how much data there is now to make yourself better, I think what Jimmie’s done to win all those championships is amazing.”
Larson also spoke about his perception of the seven-time champion, even though they didn’t know each other well.
“He’s just such a good guy. I don’t know him that well, but anytime I’m around him, he’s just so nice and all that. Races really hard.
“Him and I race extremely hard with each other, which is fun. I got a seven-time champion mad at me right now. It’s pretty awesome.”
The No. 5 driver also believes that aspiring drivers should look up to Johnson’s character for their role model.
“Growing up, when I think of a NASCAR mold of driver, Jimmie Johnson’s that guy.”
[Read More: WATCH: Jimmie Johnson’s message to his No. 48 replacement, Alex Bowman]
LIKE JEFF GORDON, JIMMIE HAD THE BEST RACING ORGANIZATION IN NASCAR, HE STILL HAD TO ACHIVE THE WINS & POLES, I SALUTE MR HENDRICK FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE WIIING TEAMS FOR JIMMIE AS WELL AS JEFF. MR HENDRICK RECONIZED JIMMIES TALENT. I SALUTE JIMMIE FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS. But HE HAD THEE BEST RACING ORGANIZATION BEHIND HIM