Jimmie Johnson Gives Massive Props to Never Settle Podcast Guest Andrea Brimmer
When you’ve spent decades covering NASCAR, you learn to appreciate genuine people who make things happen behind the scenes. That’s precisely what happened when Jimmie Johnson and his podcast co-host Marty Smith sat down with Andrea Brimmer, and let me tell you, their reaction says everything you need to know about this remarkable executive.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion didn’t mince words when describing Brimmer on their “Never Settle” podcast. Johnson called her a “total badass” and expressed genuine gratitude for her appearance on the show. Coming from a driver who’s seen every type of personality in the sport, that kind of endorsement carries serious weight.
Who Is Andrea Brimmer, and Why Does She Matter to Jimmie Johnson?
Andrea Brimmer serves as the chief marketing and PR officer at Ally Financial, the American bank holding company that became synonymous with Johnson’s later NASCAR career. When Ally came on board as the primary sponsor of Jimmie Johnson’s famous Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet starting in 2019, it marked a new chapter for both the driver and the company.
The timing couldn’t have been more interesting. Johnson was entering what would become his final full-time season in NASCAR, and Ally was making a significant commitment to the sport. While Johnson retired from full-time competition after the 2020 season, the partnership between Ally and Hendrick Motorsports continued with Alex Bowman taking over the wheel of the No.48 car.
What strikes me most about this relationship is how it transcended typical sponsor-driver dynamics. Johnson’s genuine admiration for Brimmer reflects the kind of personal connections that make NASCAR special. This isn’t just business anymore. It’s about people who believe in each other.
The Ally Financial Legacy in NASCAR
Here’s something that still gets many fans who have watched Jimmie Johnson’s entire career. He never got to take Ally Financial to victory lane. His last Cup Series win came in 2017, two years before Ally became his primary sponsor. That had to sting for a competitor like Johnson, who built his legendary status on delivering for his sponsors.
 Alex Bowman, who inherited the No.48 ride, managed to give Ally Financial six victories out of his eight career wins. His most recent triumph came on the streets of Chicago last year, proving that sometimes the best partnerships outlast individual careers.
Earlier this season at Darlington Raceway, the No.48 team ran a throwback scheme honoring Johnson’s 2012 Southern 500 victory. Better known as the iconic race that gave Hendrick Motorsports its 200th career win. They departed from Ally’s usual purple color scheme and went with a classic black-and-white combination. Bowman finished 35th after hitting the wall while running in the top 10, but the gesture showed how much respect the organization still has for Johnson’s legacy.
Jimmie Johnson’s Vision for Legacy Motor Club’s Future
Beyond the podcast and his ongoing relationship with former sponsors, Jimmie Johnson has his hands full as co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. The team currently fields two full-time Cup Series entries with John Hunter Nemechek in the No.42 Toyota and Erik Jones in the No.43 car. Johnson himself runs part-time in the #84 car, showing he’s not quite ready to hang up his helmet completely.
The expansion plans for Legacy Motor Club represent Johnson’s long-term vision for the sport. He’s targeting a third car for 2026, with 2027 as the backup plan if things don’t align perfectly. When someone with Johnson’s track record talks about expansion, you listen.
“When you look through the Xfinity Series, Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love. I think you also look through the garage area in the Cup Series, and there’s some young talent that took early steps to get into vehicles,” Johnson explained during the podcast.
The Challenge of Finding the Right Driver
Finding the correct driver for that third car presents unique challenges in today’s NASCAR landscape. Jimmie Johnson admits it’s tough to know where to look, and I understand his dilemma. The sport has changed dramatically since its heyday, with young drivers advancing through the ranks faster than ever before.
Connor Zilisch currently leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings with six wins, 12 top-five finishes, and 14 top-10s this season. Jesse Love sits fourth in points with one win, six top-fives, and 15 top-10s. Both represent the kind of talent that could help Legacy Motor Club become a consistent contender.
Final Thoughts
Jimmie Johnson’s approach to team ownership reflects the same methodical thinking that made him successful as a driver. He’s not rushing into decisions or making promises he can’t keep. Instead, he’s building something sustainable that can compete at the highest level.
The praise for Andrea Brimmer during the podcast reveals Johnson’s appreciation for people who understand what it takes to succeed in this sport. As he continues building Legacy Motor Club into a championship-caliber organization, those relationships will prove invaluable.
