It took more than a cold beer for Jimmie Johnson to put the 2017 NASCAR season behind him.

WSB-TV sports director Zach Klein visits with seven-time racing champion on the "We Never Played the Game" podcast to discuss his future at Hendrick Motorsports, his "Welcome to NASCAR moment" and a hope that repaving Atlanta Motor Speedway leads to continued success on the Hampton, Ga., track. Listen as Johnson touches on his "legendary" water polo career (then subscribe, rate and review):

> More: How to watch Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kennesaw State guard Simeon Cottle shoots a technical foul shot during the second half of a game against South Florida Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at Kennesaw State University. (Daniel Varnado/For the AJC))

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo