Behind The Scenes

Jimmie Johnson on flying discs, porcupines, speed bumps and ESPN

One look at Jimmie Johnson’s acting resume reveals that he usually makes cameos just being himself — though there is an interesting credit from a 2004 film in which he doubles as a “moonshiner.”

The star of numerous ESPN promotions, Johnson has proven his acting chops even while he’s just being himself. The five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion did his own stunts in the “Nothing Beats First Place” campaign, which meant taking multiple hits to the head with a flying disc and holding a porcupine on his lap for numerous takes.

Fresh from his record-tying fourth career Brickyard 400 victory last Sunday, Johnson spent some time with Front Row as part of the Bristol Car Wash. As you’ll see in the video above, he tackled questions about his favorite aspects about visiting ESPN — he’s been a guest an estimated 10 times — as well as what it’s like to star in the network’s NASCAR ads.

You’ll see him in his day job this weekend as ESPN will televise the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 5. NASCAR Countdown will air at noon with the race’s green flag at 1:18 p.m. Also from Pocono, ESPN2 will air NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m.

Video produced by Dave Williams

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