Jimmie Johnson has always been a fan favorite on the professional racing circuit, thanks to his great success on the track as well as his easy-going personality off it. Nicknamed ‘Superman,” he has won seven Cup Series championships.
Still, the 49-year-old Johnson has new stories to tell. Recently, the NASCAR legend shared a hilarious and slightly awkward memory involving ESPN’s Marty Smith.
Jimmie Johnson Recalled ‘Awkward’ First Meeting With ESPN’s Marty Smith
It all started 25 years ago, back when Smith was just beginning his career as a young sports reporter at a local newspaper in Virginia. Johnson was attending an awards banquet in Beverly Hills for emerging race-car drivers on NASCAR’s Busch Series.
That night, Johnson and Smith hung out deep into the evening, sharing laughs and stories. Johnson knew he had a press obligation scheduled for early the next day, but he didn’t know the person conducting the interview. When he woke up the next morning — groggy and unaware — he walked into the interview room and received a huge surprise.
“A great human and certainly a lot of success within the world of sports,” Johnson said of Smith, via the Donuts Podcast. “We met like 25 years ago or something when he was writing for his local paper in Virginia. It’s funny because it was an awards banquet in Beverly Hills for the Busch Series which is our junior division in NASCAR, and I go out and have this big night with this guy — and he’s Marty and I’m Jimmie — and, uh, before we go to bed he’s like, ‘I got some work to do early in the morning’ and I’m like, ‘Gosh, I’ve got this interview I gotta do and it’s gonna suck, not looking forward to it.’
“I walk in this room at like eight in the morning and I see Marty and I’m like, ‘Oh man.’ I’m like, ‘You’re doing the interview?’ And he’s like, ‘Go to bed. We’ll find each other later. Don’t stress.’ So, just a great dude.”
That’s right. Smith was the reporter assigned to interview Johnson. Smith, also surprised, quickly turned the awkward moment into a great story, and the two became friends.
Fast Friends Start ‘Never Settle’ Podcast
What started as a funny, awkward meeting turned into a friendship that grew stronger over the years. Johnson and Smith have shared countless interviews, stories, and now they have teamed up for something new, a podcast called “Never Settle.”
Johnson brings his wealth of racing experience, sharing stories from the track and beyond. Smith, known for his storytelling skills, knows how to ask the right questions, drawing out the best in each conversation. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it has quickly become a highlight of the show. Fans are already loving it.
When you gotta go, you gotta go! 😅 pic.twitter.com/bSwS6jDUDy
— Never Settle (@neversettlepod) May 8, 2025
But what makes this podcast special is not just their insights. It is the way they connect. Fans love how Johnson turns an awkward moment into a lifelong friendship. It is about the memories, the laughs, and the stories that make racing unforgettable.
