Earlier this year Dale Earnhardt Jr announced that he would not be returning to NBC when the network takes over the broadcasting for the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series races.
While NBC has yet make an announcement of a full tme replacement for Earnhardt; the first part time broadcaster has been named.
Seven time Cup Series champion, NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, and co-owner of Legay Motor Club Jimmie Johnson will add to his growing list of accomplishments with four appearances in the broadcast booth with NBC.
The stint begins later this month when Johnson will be a part of the broadcast team for the Indianapolis 500 and then travel to Charlotte to race in the Coca-Cola 600.
Kyle Larson will attempt to be a part of the 33 car field for the Indy 500 and will then fly to Charlotte to race in the 600.
Johnson is scheduled to in the booth for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, the YellaWood 500 at Talladega, and one of the round of 12 playoff races.
NASCAR fans are familiar with members of the broadcast crew talking to the drivers on pace or caution laps. And fans who watched the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) saw broadcasters have brief conversations with drivers during the race.
Johnson plans on running in the final race of the season at Phoenix raceway AND be a part of the broadcast crew.
Johnson spoke on his opportunity in a press release saying, “to have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” once again is such an honor. I was part of the NBC broadcast team in 2021, and it just fueled the fire I needed to make my childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500 a reality. Competing in this race as a driver was a chance of a lifetime, so to be able to experience the pageantry again is just so special.”