The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced their 2024 inductees Wednesday (August 2). Driver Jimmie Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and former NASCAR great Donnie Allison will be joining the hallowed hall.
But, the election of Jimmie Johnson has raised some eyebrows. Not because he isn’t deserving, but because of the fact that there were some electors who didn’t vote for him.
Jimmie Johnson is one of the winningest NASCAR drivers in the history of the sport. With seven NASCAR Cup Championships to his credit, Johnson is tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most career Cup Championship wins.
In addition, he holds the record for the most all-time wins at five tracks, including Auto Club Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. He has been named Driver of the Year five times and has 83 total Cup wins.
His impressive resume leaves no doubt that Jimmie Johnson deserves a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. But, apparently there are a few who disagree.
When the news of Johnson’s election to the Hall of Fame was announced Wednesday, it was expected that he would be chosen unanimously. But, to everyone’s surprise, the driver only earned 93% of vote. The voting panel consists of 57 NASCAR executives, drivers, crew chiefs, industry contributors and reporters, meaning that four of the panel members did not vote for Johnson.
Fellow 2024 inductee Chad Knaus said that Jimmie Johnson is the ideal candidate for a unanimous vote, and doubts that anyone will ever be if Johnson wasn’t.
“He’s the nicest guy and the best to ever sit in a NASCAR race car. He contributes to our sport and to society in so many different ways through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. He is the ideal picture of a Hall of Fame inductee,” Knauss said.
Fans shared their surprise at the news on social media.
One question we had today was ‘will Jimmie Johnson be a unanimous vote?’ This has never happened with HOF voting. Honestly shocked it didn’t happen today. SMH
— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) August 2, 2023
Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson should have all been unanimous 100% on the HOF ballot. None of them were and I find that ridiculous #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/brOkdQqnsc
— Daniel Kriete (@DanielKriete4) August 3, 2023
Somehow, four souls saw fit to omit seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson from their NASCAR Hall of Fame ballots today. I cannot begin to fathom what excuse they might use when they look in the mirror tonight. #Unreal
— Dave Moody (@DGodfatherMoody) August 3, 2023
Jimmie Johnson reacted to the news of his induction, saying that he is humbled and thankful to receive the honor.
“It’s such an honor,” Johnson said. “I really think this honor will allow myself and the other inductees to really take a deep breath and enjoy the next 8 or 9 months and really savor a life’s work. I’m truly honored and humbled and thankful for all the people who contributed throughout my career.”