NASCAR Cup Series

Johnson becomes first-time father

Published Jul. 8, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra, welcomed a baby girl to their family Wednesday.

The family's newest addition was born at 1:44 p.m. in Charlotte, weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. and was 19.5 inches long, according to a team press release. The Johnsons have yet to select a name, but the release said: "Dad offered that she is absolutely beautiful and affectionately referred to her as 'Baby J.'"

Johnson, a first-time father, will race at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend.

"While commenting that sleep was at a minimum last night, he is extremely happy about getting to spend time with his girls before leaving for the race weekend in Chicago," the release said.

Johnson was prepared to miss a race if his wife went into labor, and with the birth of his daughter expected this weekend, he had Aric Almirola on standby should he need to leave Saturday night's race at Chicago.

Johnson isn't the only driver expecting to add to his family this season.

Carl Edwards and Elliott Sadler have become first-time fathers since last season, Jamie McMurray is preparing to become a first-time father and the wives of Juan Pablo Montoya and Jeff Gordon are expecting babies this summer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.