NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson cleared to race after testing positive for COVID-19

INDIANAPOLIS — NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson has been cleared to return to competition after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 and missed what was supposed to be his final Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend.

Since then, he tested negative twice this week and was cleared by his doctor.

“My family is so grateful for the incredible love and support we’ve received over the last several days,” Johnson said. “I especially want to thank Justin Allgaier for stepping in for me at Indy and being a true pro. I’m excited about getting back to business with my team this weekend.”

He will be able to drive at this weekend’s race in Kentucky.

Before testing positive, Johnson talked about taking the test and the possibility of running the Indianapolis 500. Hours later, he said he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Johnson and his family took every precaution to avoid the coronavirus. They washed their hands frequently. They routinely wore face masks.

Johnson said they even left his home in Charlotte and moved the family to the less-densely populated city of Aspen, Colorado.

After testing positive, Johnson said doctors believe his wife is past the worst of her illness and said he was feeling fine.

“Thankfully I’m asymptomatic so I don’t have the fear. We don’t know how many days in I am and there is some concern my condition could worsen but I’ve had literally no symptoms,” Johnson said on a video conference call.

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He said the most difficult part of all this was the impact of his kids. Both his 6- and 9-year-old tested negative. But he and his wife were scared to interact with them and were worried about giving them the virus while trying to care for them.

“On the home front with our kids, we’re heartbroken right now to see the fear in their eyes and to see them try to manage what’s going on right now,” Johnson said.

In order to return to racing, Johnson had to be symptom-free, test negative twice over 24 hours and get clearance from a doctor.

NASCAR released the following statement regarding Johnson’s positive test:

“Following the guidelines outlined in the Event Operations Protocol manual, Jimmie Johnson has alerted NASCAR that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

“NASCAR has outlined the steps for Johnson’s return, in accordance with the CDC’s current guidelines, which includes that Johnson is symptom free and has two negative COVID-19 test results, at least 24 hours apart. NASCAR requires Johnson to be cleared by his physician before returning to racing.

“Jimmie is a true battle-tested champion, and we wish him well in his recovery. NASCAR has granted Jimmie a playoff waiver, and we look forward to his return as he races for an eighth NASCAR Cup Series championship.”

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