16: A Cracked Skull Creates Friendship
Jimmie Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. have been friends for a long time. The two legendary drivers were teammates for Hendrick motorsports. On an episode of Dale Jr.’s podcast, Johnson recounted a story where he hit his head in the hot tub. “I’m telling you, it looked like a cartoon when you see the cartoon character dive in the shallow end and their feet are still sticking up. I swear, I stopped and his feet were still there, and I was like, this isn’t going to end well. And he stands up and [says], “Man, I think I hit my head.” And there’s blood just flowing, and I’m like, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure you hit your head.”.
Friends are there for each other but can also share a laugh. Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. have been through it all together. The combination of fierce comradery and racing succes made the two a force to be reckoned with in the business.