Four-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson crashed during practice Thursday for this weekend’s 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway.
Johnson is feeling fine and hoping to get back behind the wheel for another practice on Friday, driver spokeswoman Kristine Curley said. Johnson is still planning to drive in the 24 Hours of Daytona on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course. The Canadian Press
Johnson wrecked the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Daytona Prototype that he will co-drive with 2009 Grand-Am Series champions Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and former Champ Car champion Jimmy Vasser during practice for the race.
The wreck happened as Johnson closed on a slower GT-class car in the kink between the east and west horseshoes on the infield portion of the road course. Johnson backed off and the No. 99 spun and hit a tire wall. The News-Press
A year ago, while preparing to race the final segment of the Rolex event, Johnson cut his left middle finger with a kitchen knife while trying to ventilate his firesuit. He had minor surgery to repair a tendon and a nerve.
Johnson will begin his quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship two weeks after the Rolex event in the Daytona 500. Orlando Sentinel
| 
|