BIRMINGHAM, ALA. — Jimmie Johnson hopped on a scooter and navigated his way through an unfamiliar Alabama paddock. He stopped to lean against a stack of tires for a quick conversation with childhood hero Rick Mears, then went to work on his new career.
The seven-time NASCAR champion turned 22 laps in the first IndyCar practice of the season Saturday morning. He was slowest of the 24-car field but thrilled with the experience.
“Amazing. What a rush,” he said. “These cars are so physical, so demanding. It's not two-or-three laps in and tongues hanging out panting, just wrestling this monster around the racetrack.