INDIANAPOLIS – Jimmie Johnson will make his first Indianapolis 500 start this year after all — with the television crew, not on the racetrack.
NBC Sports said Tuesday it will use Johnson for studio coverage of the Indianapolis 500 on both race day and qualifying weekend.
The seven-time NASCAR champion is now an IndyCar rookie running only the road and street courses, a decision that has sidelined Johnson for the four ovals on the schedule including the Indianapolis 500.
He's never before attended an Indy 500. “To say I am excited for May in Indianapolis is an understatement,” Johnson said. “I absolutely cannot wait to take it all in." Johnson made his IndyCar debut last month in Alabama and has completed two races on the schedule.