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):

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Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com