CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson's father will give the command for drivers to start their engines for Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Gary Johnson will serve as the grand marshal for Johnson's last time racing at the track as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver.
“I’m excited for my dad to be the grand marshal at Texas to give the command to start the engines,” Johnson said of his father. “We have family in Texas so I feel like there’s going to be some extra sentimental value for my dad, knowing his sister lived there and was from that area. He’s been such a supporter of me in my career and I know how special and meaningful it will be for him to be there in my final start at Texas Motor Speedway.”
Johnson holds Texas Motor Speedway's record for the most wins at the venue with seven. The seven-time Cup Series champion also ranks first among active drivers with second-place finishes (five) and first with top-five finishes (16). Johnson has led the most laps at Texas with 1,152, as well.
The second race in the Round of 8 of the playoffs will be Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.