Carvana to sponsor Jimmie Johnson in INDYCAR

Photo courtesy of Jimmie Johnson via Twitter

When the seven-time NASCAR champion starts the 2021 INDYCAR season in the running for Rookie of the Year, he'll do it in a Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) car sponsored by Carvana. 

Carvana, the successful online auto retailer, announced its partnership with Chip Ganassi and that it will serve as the primary sponsor for Johnson next year. 

Winning seven NASCAR Cup championships and holding the record for most Cup wins among active drivers wasn't enough for Johnson. His new sponsor is excited that the driver went in search of his next racing opportunity. Carvana Chief Brand Officer Ryan Keeton said, "Jimmie Johnson has already made his mark as one of the best NASCAR drivers in history, yet he's continuing to push himself with a new challenge. He's not resting, but raising the bar, and that's a mindset we can very much relate to." 

Johnson's fans may have to adjust to seeing their favorite driver in an INDYCAR, but they won't have trouble finding him on track. The driver will participate in tests with CGR, piloting the No. 48 Carvana Honda in November. The team plans to unveil Johnson's new paint scheme prior to the start of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Currently, Johnson is scheduled to compete in the series' full road and street course calendar of events. 

Team owner Chip Ganassi said the partnership is "a perfect fit." 

"Carvana is a very exciting technology company that is always continuing to challenge themselves to be the best they can be. Like us, they value innovation -- and when you add it all up, we seem to have a lot in common, which is why I think this relationship can really grow and be successful. You all know Jimmie and his accomplishments. Jimmie is a champion and winner and will bring tremendous value to our organization. I think we're going to learn as much from him and his approach as he is going to learn about INDYCAR racing. It will only move the team in a positive direction," Ganassi said. 

Carvana has pioneered the online auto purchase process, making it possible for auto buyers to choose from thousands of vehicles and schedule touchless home delivery or vehicle pickup at one of their innovative Car Vending Machines.