9:55 AM
Next year, Johnson will run a full schedule in the Indianapolis 500.
The seven-time NASCAR champion had been working on his decision to attend the Indy 500 since he moved to the open-pit. In his first season of open-wheel racing, Johnson ran only the road and street courses because of safety concerns.
As he settled into his new job with Chip Ganassi Racing, Johnson grew more comfortable with the car, series safety enhancements and, ultimately, racing on ovals. He tested at both Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, but still didn't commit to "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Not anymore.
Johnson will enter all 17 races in the next season of the open wheel series.
"I'm really excited about this next chapter of my career and competing in the No. 48 with Carvana for the 2022," Johnson said. The safety of these cars has come a long way, and after I tested them at Texas and Indianapolis, I realized this was a challenge I wanted to take on.
Next year I'm going to #FullTime. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the #Indy500 car.
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December 15, 2021.
At the end of the 2020 season, Johnson left NASCAR to become an indy car driver. He ran in 12 races and finished in a career-best 17th.
He will be teammates with Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and Marcus Ericsson in the year 2022. Tony Kanaan ran the four ovals in the No. 48 when Johnson wasn't in the car. Kanaan is expected to run at least the Indy 500, although there was no announcement on his schedule.
"We are very happy that he will run the whole season in 2022," said team owner Chip Ganassi. He has experience on the ovals from his NASCAR career and we think the Indy car will play right into his strength.
Carvana increased its sponsorship of Johnson so that he could run the full season. It will be the primary partner for 16 of the 17 races. The American Legion will sponsor the No. 48 at Iowa Speedway.
"I'm thankful for everyone who made this possible," Johnson said. I made a lot of progress last season and I know I can compete on tracks that I have experience on. I'm very excited to be a part of the Indianapolis 500.
