DARLINGTON, S.C. – Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has been named the winner of the National Motorsports Press Ass’n’s Myers Brothers Award.
Presented annually since 1958, the award, named in honor of former NASCAR competitors Billy and Bobby Myers, recognizes individuals and/or groups who have provided outstanding contributions to the sport of stock car racing. Each year, the NMPA Myers Brothers Award winner is selected by a vote of the NMPA membership.
“What an honor,” Johnson said when he learned of the award. “The Myers Brothers have been such a big part of this sport. Every year as I sat through the luncheon at the banquet, I was always so proud of the winners of this award, and to be the recipient of the 2020 award truly humbles me.
“I’m so proud and thankful and appreciate those who voted. What a great surprise.”
As he retires from his role as a full-time driver for Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson also leaves behind a legacy that includes a record-tying seven Cup titles and 83 victories in NASCAR’s premier series, tied with Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time list.
Johnson will be remembered equally for his consummate grace under the intense pressure of competition, his friendly and accommodating manner and his engagement with the communities he has called home through the charitable works of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
“I think the thing about Jimmie through all that, he’s the same Jimmie Johnson,” team owner Rick Hendrick said when asked to reflect on Johnson’s 20-year career. “Never a cross word with him. Never asked him to do anything that he didn’t do.
“He’s just a guy, never hear him say anything about anybody else. He’s as close to perfect as you can get to be a competitor that can do what he can do on the race track. Just a super individual.”