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December 2, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Jimmie Johnson, the first driver in history to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles, has donated half a million dollars to local schools. Johnson made several local appearances this week, including an event honoring him in Santee hosted by Lowe’s Tuesday night.
“We are most proud of you,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, noting that Johnson grew up in East County and graduated from Granite Hills High School. “Besides the greatness you’ve achieved, you’ve given back to your community—you haven’t forgotten your roots.” The San Diego County Board of Supervisors named December 1st “Jimmie Johnson” day in his honor.
Santee Mayor Randy Voepel presented Johnson with keys to the city and called Johnson a “hometown hero,” then quipped that he may raise the speed limits just for Johnson. He also presented flowers to Johnson's wife (photo, right).
The Jimmie Johnson Foundation awarded grants to 11 local schools totaling $500,000, including $31,000 for Granite Hills to renovate its stadium and $45,900 for Crest Elementary’s science, technology and arts program. He visited Crest Elementary, his former school, on Monday, receiving a rousing ovation. The Foundation has also donated to schools in North Carolina and Oklahoma, with donations totaling nearly $1 million.
Lowe’s, a sponsor of Johnson’s NASCAR racing, hosted the Tuesday night event where hundreds of fans showed up. Johnson, who heads to Vegas next for the NASCAR Spring Cup Series Awards ceremony, disclosed that a reality TV show is being made of his preparations for his next race, as he prepares to seek a record-breaking fifth championship title.
At Lowe’s, Johnson fielded questions from fans. One woman asked he he plans to to back to dirt racing. “I make way too many mistakes and I need an ambulance close by,” Johnson quipped.
Another asked if there is any truth to a rumor that Johnson may rebuild the El Cajon Speedway. “I wish I knew something about it,” he replied, noting that he never raced at the local speedway other than “a couple of times on a go-cart.” But he noted, “I hate that racetracks are going away, especially the one from East County.”
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