Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus. The seven-time champion is the first NASCAR driver to test positive for the illness.The 44-year-old racer confirmed the diagnosis in a statement on NASCAR’s website.“My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates,” he said. “I’ve never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it’s going to be very hard to watch from the sidelines when I’m supposed to be out there competing.
Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I’m going to come back ready to win races and put ourselves in playoff contention.”NASCAR also released a statement, sharing that Johnson would not be permitted to return to racing until he was cleared of symptoms and has two negative.