It wasn’t exactly “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (or a re-creation of the epic comic journey of John Candy and Steve Martin in the 1987 movie by that name) because Johnson skipped the train. But the 2021 IndyCar rookie contender - and seven-time NASCAR champion - chronicled his journey to WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway for an IndyCar test on Tuesday with a series of tweets.
“While my NASCAR friends are traveling to the track, I happen to be doing the same,” Johnson tweeted with a video of his plane flying over the track. As Johnson tested in California, his old teammates and friends were gearing up for the Busch Clash, which Kyle Busch won Tuesday night at Daytona International Speedway.
It was not Johnson’s first trip to Laguna Seca in an IndyCar. Two days after completing the 2020 NASCAR schedule at Phoenix, Johnson tested for a day around the famed course with his new teammate Alex Palou.
While my @NASCAR friends are traveling to the track, I happen to be doing the same.@CarvanaRacing @CGRindycar pic.twitter.com/Vek5gOGcSV
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 9, 2021
After landing, Johnson got an assist from his GPS system to find Laguna Seca once again.
Thank you Siri. pic.twitter.com/a4HOU4axoa
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 9, 2021
Someone should remind Johnson that leaving the turn signal on is only for drivers who have completely retired - and with 13 races scheduled on street and road courses in 2021 and a second-place finish already this year in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona - he does not meet that requirement.
#CorkScrew pic.twitter.com/pYECUFFEkI
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 9, 2021
As the car was pushed toward the track, Johnson was ready for the fun to begin.
May the fun begin!@CarvanaRacing pic.twitter.com/nfQc0uV5Hi
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 9, 2021
About 10 hours later, Johnson posted another update from the Laguna Seca session.
What a fun car on such an amazing track. I’ve made some solid gains, but still have a long road ahead. @CarvanaRacing @CGRTeams pic.twitter.com/DXpshZ3RUK
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 10, 2021
And after all of Tuesday’s fun had ended at Laguna Seca, Johnson also threw in a shoutout to his former ride in Daytona.
Sweet lookin ride bro! 🤙 https://t.co/IYzWBLUEnN
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 10, 2021