Jimmie Johnson positive for Covid-19

La Nascar has done its utmost to limit the spread of the coronavirus in its paddocks, but the pandemic is too significant in the USA to avoid any risk. Before the Indianapolis race, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Jimmie Johnson had tested positive for Covid-19 and would not be able to compete in the weekend's event.

The health measures put in place by Nascar imply that the contaminated driver has no symptoms and is negative in two Covid-19 screening tests 24 hours apart. The competitor must also be declared fit by his doctor.

“My priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates, commented Jimmie Johnson in the team press release. I've never missed a Cup Series race in my career, but I know it will be very hard to watch the race from the outside. If the situation is very disappointing, I will come back ready to win races and find my place in the playoffs. »

Hendrick Motorsports clarified that Jimmie Johnson is not currently suffering from symptoms of the coronavirus. His wife Chandra tested positive after developing allergy-like symptoms. A member of the No. 48 team was also placed in quarantine as a safety measure after coming into close contact with the driver.

Jimmie Johnson will be replaced this weekend by Justin Allgaier currently engaged in Xfinity with JR Motorsports. The seven-time Nascar Cup Series champion is playing his final full season. He currently occupies 12th place in the championship. This is the second pilot playing in the USA to be declared positive for Covid-19 in the space of a day after Felipe Nasr which evolves into IMSA.