The coolest quote from Jimmie Johnson's 83rd career victory celebration

Published Jun. 5, 2017 9:00 a.m. ET

Chase Wilhelm

Amidst Jimmie Johnson's 83rd career victory celebration Sunday at Dover International Speedway, there was one quote that really stuck out, more so than all the rest.

After climbing out of his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, exhausted and soaked with a mixture of beer and Gatorade, Johnson quickly reflected on what he had just accomplished.

Not only did Johnson join Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip by becoming only the third driver in NASCAR history to score 11 or more race wins at a single racetrack, but he also tied Cale Yarborough on the Monster Energy Series all-time wins list.

A huge Yarborough growing up, it was the perfect opportunity for Johnson to share a cool memory from his childhood, which involved his support of the three-time champion and his primary sponsor at the time, Hardee's.

"When I was growing up in southern California racing dirt bikes, I was a big Cale Yarborough fan," said Johnson. "We travelled across the country to race in the Amateur Nationals heading to Oklahoma, we stopped at a Hardee's.

"I walked in thinking I would meet Cale Yarborough and left with a burger," he added. "So, it opened my eyes to the world of sponsorship at that point in time, but I was such a fan and it’s been an amazing journey along the way."

To me, this quote stuck out more than the bright orange Yarborough hat Johnson sported in Victory Lane.

Why?

That's because of how relatable it is to the way young NASCAR fans view their heroes.

There are young, up-and-coming racers and fans across the country that look up to those who strap into a 3,400-pound stock car every weekend. Just like Johnson did during his early days, they strive to be just like their role models.

With everything the seven-time champion has achieved over his illustrious career, Johnson's reflection put a human aspect on all the superhuman, out-of-this-world accomplishments he has reached.

It gives those younger race-car drivers hope that they, too, have the potential to pursue NASCAR success.

"It was a huge honor to tie him with three consecutive championships a few years back and then to be here at 83 wins and a day where things played out in such an awkward and weird fashion just very happy that we’ve got it done," Johnson said. "To my 83 wins, I’m just so proud that it’s come with one owner, one sponsor, one manufacturer, one crew chief, one team, this is a very special journey this whole Hendrick Lowe’s team has been on.”

And somewhere out there, it's entirely possible that a future NASCAR champion is walking into a Lowe's, with a dream and the hopes of meeting Jimmie Johnson.