Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal have taken their friendly rivalry to the next level with a new challenge. The well-known NASCAR driver and the towering NBA star have enjoyed some light-hearted exchanges over the years, but things really picked up on Friday.What started with O’Neal’s good-natured teasing about Johnson’s persistent attempts at the Daytona 500 quickly turned into a challenge.More News: Jimmie Johnson Reaches Legacy Motor Club Milestone With Ownership UpdateThe roots of this humorous feud trace back to O’Neal’s remarks about Johnson’s long history with the Daytona 500, having made 22 attempts.
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Family Dollar/Dollar Tree Toyota, walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2024 in…
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Family Dollar/Dollar Tree Toyota, walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas.
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O’Neal, who is not one to shy away from making his thoughts known, wondered aloud if Johnson might be overdoing it a little. Johnson, unfazed and ever the competitor, took it in stride and even jabbed back at the NBA star by questioning his skills on the basketball court.Turning up the heat, O’Neal threw down the gauntlet with a free-throw shooting challenge, poking fun at his career average of 52% from the line, and proposed an unusual wager. If O’Neal managed to win this friendly competition, he would earn the right to get behind the wheel of Johnson’s Daytona car. In classic Johnson fashion, he quickly responded with a counteroffer.More News: Hailie Deegan Speaks Out On NASCAR Return And ‘Reality’ Of StrugglesO’Neal suggests taking Johnson’s car for a spin, but Johnson had his own idea if he won. He posted:”Oh, classic @SHAQ sliding in my DMs. Only place you’re driving my car is to dinner. If you win, you can design my Daytona car—how good are you with crayons? If I win, I’ve got some sweet gear for you to rock.”Oh, classic @SHAQ sliding in my DMs. Only place you’re driving my car is to dinner. If you win, you can design my Daytona car—how good are you with crayons? If I win, I’ve got some sweet gear for you to rock. https://t.co/VH22i2jnpY— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) January 31, 2025
Jimmie Johnson boasts a remarkable NASCAR career, including two impressive triumphs at the Daytona 500. Despite scaling back his racing schedule, he is still a huge figure in the sport.For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.2025 NASCAR Cup Series ScheduleRegular SeasonFeb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOXFeb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOXFeb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOXMar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOXMar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1Apr. 20: Off (Easter)Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOXMay 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime VideoJune 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime VideoJune 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime VideoJune 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime VideoJune 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime VideoJune 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNTJuly 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNTJuly 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNTJuly 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNTJuly 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNTAug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USAAug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USAAug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USAAug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBCPlayoffsAug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USASept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USASept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USASept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USASept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USAOct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USAOct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USAOct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBCOct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBCNov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
