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NASCAR CUP SERIES

Who is Jimmie Johnson, the NASCAR driver who tested positive for coronavirus?

The seven-time Cup Series champion has become the first NASCAR driver to test positive for Covid-19 and will miss this weekend's Brickyard 400 opener.

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Reuters
LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 28: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, poses on the Start/Finish line to show support for front line workers prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 350 at Pocono Raceway on June 28, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylva
Jared C. TiltonAFP

Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has become the first NASCAR driver to test positive for Covid-19 and will miss this weekend's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports said on Friday.

Johnson tests positive

Johnson, who will not return to competition until being cleared by a physician, has not experienced Covid-19 symptoms and was tested upon learning earlier on Friday that his wife had tested positive after having allergy-like symptoms.

"My first priority is the health and safety of my loved ones and my teammates," Johnson said in a news release issued by Hendrick Motorsports.

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics 325 in partnership with Rodale Institute at Pocono Raceway on June 27, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
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Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics 325 in partnership with Rodale Institute at Pocono Raceway on June 27, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.Jared C. TiltonAFP

"I've never missed a race in my Cup career, but I know it's going to be very hard to watch from the sidelines when I'm supposed to be out there competing.

"Although this situation is extremely disappointing, I'm going to come back ready to win races and put ourselves in playoff contention."

In order to return to racing, NASCAR said Johnson must be symptom free and have two negative Covid-19 test results, at least 24 hours apart, and also be cleared by his physician.

The 44-year-old Johnson, a four-times winner of the Brickyard 400, was due to start the race in the second row in fourth position.

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Digital Ally Body Cameras Chevrolet, leads Ross Chastain, driver of the #10 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet, during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 150.
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AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Digital Ally Body Cameras Chevrolet, leads Ross Chastain, driver of the #10 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet, during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 150.JAMIE SQUIREAFP

Hendrick Motorsports said Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 48 Chevrolet on Sunday as Johnson's replacement.

Find out all the information you need on how to watch the NASCAR Cup Series ahead of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit on Sunday, 5 July, 2020.