Jimmie Johnson Ends Streak due to COVID-19
NASCAR was one of the first sports to make a return to regular competition following the COVID-19 hiatus. And Jimmie Johnson, seven-time Cup Series Champion, was the first driver to miss a race due to a positive COVID-19 test. That ended his 663 Consecutive start streak.
Then, a few days later… he tested clean for the virus… twice!
credit: Bertho RF1 (flickr)
NASCAR protocol for COVID-19 includes social distancing, masks, drivers staying away from garage areas, and regular testing. Johnson failed a test heading into the Brickyard 400 race weekend which forced him from the driver’s seat ending his “Iron-man” style streak of consecutive Cup Series races.
It was an emotional week as both he and his wife tested positive. His wife was feeling bad, probably sinus issues according to some familiar with the incident. They both were tested with results showing they had the virus.
“My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates,” Johnson 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.”
Then, approximately three days later, Johnson was tested twice again as NASCAR requires two positive tests in a row before he could return to the track. This time, both tests came back negative showing the virus was gone. Sadly, Johnson had already missed The Brickyard and the streak of 663 races was broken.
The good news was Johnson said he never felt sick. He returned to his car the following weekend for the Kentucky race as well as the mid-week All-Star race where he finished 17th Wednesday night
Johnson, when asked, refused to worry about possibly having received false test results. He said the safety of others was more important.
“Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones. Be smart,” Johnson said.
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