AVONDALE, AZ — One storied career ends while another looks to be just getting started. Sound familiar? See, a lot of race car drivers make their final starts of their careers before setting sail on a retirement. But, few are as impactful when drivers like Jimmie Johnson walk away. Unfortunately, Dale Earnhardt never got to walk away on his own terms. He passed away in a crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. Richard Petty’s final start came in Atlanta in 1992. But, that final race was unfortunately long overdue. Petty’s final seasons were nothing like his storied career was made. Petty, went eight years without a win to close out his career. He had two top 10’s combined over his final four seasons including none in his farewell tour.

That also happened to be Jeff Gordon’s first start of his storied career. One legend out, another one coming in.

Johnson, is the only other driver with them to have won seven championships. His final start on Sunday goes down in history with the likes of Petty, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart. You don’t witness these moments very often.

“Yeah, I mean, I have friends that have been NASCAR drivers, friends of mine that have played professional football, professional baseball. Very few have had the opportunity to call their shot and say when they’re done,” said Johnson. “Some have had injury, some were forced out, some sponsorship or opportunity passed them by. And either way, watching them, there’s a big void that I’ve noticed.

“I’m just thankful that I won’t have that void. I was able to do it on my terms, was able to have the support from Ally and Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports to be able to step down when I wanted to and on my terms, so I’m very thankful for that.”

He leaves and Chase Elliott gets his first NASCAR championship. Elliott, is only 24 years old and with 11 wins to his credit already to go with a title as the third youngest driver ever, is this 1992 all over again?

“Just so happy for him,” Johnson said. “I’m sure I was saying something along those lines, just how happy I am for him. I saw him on track and left a big donut on the side of his car. I was able to get a high?five as he was coming around to do burnouts. And I was waving good?bye. So certainly a couple cool moments.”

After some less than desired years, Johnson leaves us all with a good lasting memory. He brought his No. 48 Chevrolet home with a top five at the Phoenix Raceway in his 686th and final start. After missing out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, this time by just six points, he finally showed the speed needed for the seven-time champion.

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Johnson, was 11th in Stage 1 and sixth in Stage 2. He even took over the lead for a while during a pit sequence between Laps 139-142 and was a top 10 threat the rest of the way. He passed Ryan Blaney in the closing laps for his fifth top five of the season, the most since 2016.

“It definitely feels good for my final race to run well,” Johnson said. “A big tent full of friends here watching. My family was clearly here. I didn’t have too much riding on today. Making sure that I had a good run just because I always plan to run well. In my head I always feel like I should.

“But ultimately this year is just a little bit bittersweet for me. And to have the issues we’ve had and not be competitive down the stretch, not make the Playoffs, all that still stings.

“But to finish with a solid top 5 to close things out is nice.”

Johnson, ends 2020 with 10 top 10 finishes, the least amount of any season though too. He had 12 last year and 11 in each of the two years before. He had 16 in his last championship winning year of 2016, but that at the time was his lowest amount of top 10’s in a single season. The previous 14 years he had no fewer than 20.

We didn’t know it then, but 2016 was the start of Johnson’s decline. It was a five win season, but he only had three over his final four years, all coming in 2017.

That’s why Johnson was ready to do something else. The cars have changed against his driving style and why tarnish his reputation by overstaying his welcome.

“Really just excited,” Johnson said on his feelings before the race. “Excited to do this, excited to get on track and have this final event. For me the hardest point was about this time last year when thoughts were heavy on my mind and I was going to make the decision and made the decision to myself and my family, then had to go to Rick’s house and talk that through with Mr. Hendrick. So that point in time was probably the most emotional and most difficult.

“And as the year has gone by, many moments of reflection and just pride. Then all of that rolled into today and just very excited to be on track.”

It was great to see Johnson running up front again on Sunday and that’s a fitting ending to a storied NASCAR career. His hearts full and so is ours.