Jimmie Johnson fully embraces his place as challenger to two NASCAR legends. He honors the men he chases, as he will display this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
Johnson also takes ownership of fans' dislike. He doesn't have their favor, nor does he curry it, especially those who grew up cherishing the greatness of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
.@JimmieJohnson honors two legends on his helmet.#se7en pic.twitter.com/QH0cDRstRY
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 6, 2016
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Fact is, Johnson doesn't care what his critics say. He knows those naysayers don't consider him as good, or in truth as great, as The King and The Intimidator. He sees that every time he looks at his Twitter feed, Johnson told reporters this week, according to The Charlotte Observer.
This weekend, Johnson races at Texas; next weekend, he will be at Phoenix. And on Nov. 20, Johnson will be among four drivers racing for the Sprint Cup. Should he win, it would be his seventh championship.
Only Petty and Earnhardt had won NASCAR's top prize seven times.
Two telling quotes:
— He wants No. 7. Johnson: "I'm aware of it and what it would mean. And damn, I want to do it. The desire to accomplish it is very intense and very real. ... I think seven would give me super long legs for my legacy."
— His helmet carries images of Petty and Earnhardt and the words "Chasing 7." Johnson: "The fact that I have Dale and Richard's faces on my helmet is, one, respect to them, and two, just to put a target on something. That's the goal."
Johnson also is smart enough to know that Earnhardt was booed before he became an icon. He knows colleague Jeff Gordon was booed. And he knows where that derision comes from.
"I would imagine the older demographic is probably rooting against me, if I was to guess," Johnson said. "And I think the younger fans in general would be more in favor of me tying them."
NASCAR needs younger fans, and if Johnson is reaching that audience it's all to the good. And as in everything, NASCAR needs villains — or at least anti-heroes.
For now, Johnson is a villain. Call him "Six-time." Let's see how long it takes fans to embrace Johnson when he swaps that six for a seven … or eight.