Jimmie Johnson and Ganassi plan for IndyCar onslaught!

©IndyCar

Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is teaming up with Chip Ganassi Racing to consider an onslaught on the NTT IndyCar Series in 2021 and 2022.

Johnson, who tested a Ganassi car on Indy's road course in July, is set to "officially explore the possibility of racing a full road and street course calendar in the NTT IndyCar Series for the 2021 and 2022 racing seasons," according to a statement released on Wednesday.

"It is always difficult to find great drivers but for them to be great guys too makes it even that much more challenging," said team owner Chip Ganassi.

"To pair Jimmie with the likes of Scott Dixon is quite an opportunity. They are truly in rarified air and I think everyone knows by now that ‘I like winners’.

"The goal right now is for us to run Jimmie in an Indy car for at least the next couple of seasons, and we want to show people we’re serious about the program.

"We felt it was important to get the partnership done and start putting the financial building blocks in place to make this a reality.

"Jimmie’s record speaks for itself and we feel a championship-level driver of his caliber can only make our team better."

©IndyCar

Johnson, 45, started his prosperous career in NASCAR in 2002, collection 83 wins and seven championship NASCAR Cup Series titles, a record that equals the tally of the great Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt.

"When I tested Chip’s Indy car earlier in the year, it only lit the fire more," Johnson said.

"I found that I wanted to do it more than ever before. Scott (Dixon) was just incredible to work with and in a short time I found out very quickly why Chip and his teams have won 12 INDYCAR Championships.

"As part of a natural progression, I wanted to publicly show the alignment with Chip Ganassi Racing to kick the sponsorship program into high gear.

"The goal is to run the full road and street program and today is a very important first step in accomplishing that goal."

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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.