Jimmie Johnson is in the chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title, but he recently had time to provide insights into the perks of meeting the President of the United States.
“I’ve had the chance to meet President (Jimmy) Carter and actually build with him on Habitat for Humanity,” Johnson said, via USA TODAY. “I’ve played golf with Bill Clinton and have been able to see him quite a few times at different functions and events. A golfing friend of mine, his best friend from school is on Clinton’s staff and that’s how that whole thing pieces together, so that’s a very special opportunity. Obviously meeting Barack Obama and George (W.) Bush, that’s four presidents I’ve had the chance to meet, so that’s pretty cool.”
Perhaps the best part was a humorous anecdote about Johnson’s golf outing with former president Clinton, Arnold Palmer and Donald Trump.
“The other interesting thing was having Secret Service around,” Johnson said. “I spray it all over the golf course — no joke — and I’d be off trying to find my ball somewhere. I’d walk up and there are a couple guys in black on a golf cart with guns on their sides and they’re like, ‘Yeah, it’s over here, man.’ I’m like, ‘OK, thank you. That’s awesome.’ ”
While his story surely is a memorable one, Johnson’s mind will be on the Chase For the Sprint Cup these next couple of months. He aims to join the legendary Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt as the only drivers to win seven series championships. As of today, Johnson is fourth in the standings behind Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Photo via Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports Images
