Jimmie Johnson enjoys long-awaited IndyCar run

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Third time was a charm for NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson who finally got behind the wheel of an IndyCar on Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Johnson was earmarked earlier this year for a test with Chip Ganassi Racing that was twice cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic.

But the seven-time NASCAR champion who will retire from the series at the end of the year was finally awarded a window to fulfill his childhood dream which includes competing in a few IndyCar races next year.

"It only lit the fire more, I want to do this more than ever before," Johnson told the Associated Press after extensively lapping Indy's road course.

"It was something new, something different. NASCAR has been so good to me and I am so proud of the success I’ve had. But to try something new, man, this was really cool."

Ganassi's Scott Dixon who was on hand to advise Johnson was impressed with the 44-year-old apprentice's debut.

"He was very impressive, there was no trying to do too much," said the kiwi.

"He was texting me last night, asking me all sorts of questions, if there were tricks for getting out of the pits, how to handle a turn, those kind of things.

"He was just super amped up and just excited to finally get there."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.