On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was recognized by the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at their 39th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, celebrated as one of this year’s sports legends.
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The event saw over 800 philanthropists gathering to pay tribute to a cadre of distinguished Hall of Fame and world champion athletes across various sports, including hockey, football, the NBA, and volleyball, with Johnson representing NASCAR.
During the ceremony, the Legacy Motor Club owner reiterated his dedication to supporting fundraising efforts for research into traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and stroke. Speaking on the TODAY channel, Johnson shared his thoughts:
“The Miami Project itself is something that’s very important to me. In sports, there are so many spinal injuries, and to have such a focus group trying to help athletes, really, honestly anyone with this type of injury, find care, find ways to advance, to get back to life and live as they should, it’s been really amazing to be a part of it and to be there tonight.”
He acknowledged that similar to other sports, motorsports also frequently see severe injuries related to the spine and brain, as well as broken backs. He praised the organization for its significant efforts to assist those affected. Discussing his motivation for supporting the cause, Johnson shared a personal anecdote,
“The gentleman that brought me into this group is a famous racer named Darrell Lynne. Just to see his quality of life and his purpose behind the Miami Project, and his passion for it, has brought me into it.”
Johnson’s other philanthropic works
Johnson is known not just for his success on NASCAR tracks but also for his contributions to society. Alongside his wife Chandra, he established a foundation in 2006 aimed at supporting children, families, and communities across the country. The foundation primarily aids K-12 public and charter schools in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and California through its Champions Grant program.
In February, Chopt Creative Salad Co. shook hands with the Hall of Fame inductee to support the Jimmie Johnson Foundation via Chopt’s charitable arm, Chopt Gives. More recently, the owner of Legacy Motor Club teamed up again with the salad chain to feature his favorite salad on the menu, with 15% of the sales going to his foundation.
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On the racing front, Johnson has participated in seven out of the nine races scheduled for this season, the most since his last full season in 2020. His most recent appearance was at Kansas Speedway last Sunday where he finished P36 during the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400. Johnson will return to the Las Vegas track later this month to continue his part-time schedule.
