Connect with us

NASCAR Cup Series

Jimmie Johnson and Ally Connect Youth to Motorsports

Conversely, Jimmie Johnson and his sponsor Ally partnered to reach out to the youth. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

Conversely, Jimmie Johnson and his sponsor Ally partnered to reach out to the youth. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

All things considered, Jimmie Johnson knows a thing or two about motorsports. In fact, Johnson partnered with his sponsor, Ally Financial, with an initiative introducing teens to motorsports careers. With the ever rising cost of motorsports, they want to help educate the youth with finances and money basics.

Approximately 60 students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County schools met with Johnson and other professionals at career “pit stops” to learn about engineering, marketing, automotive tech, computer science and personal finance. They explored both university and certificate degree career paths while touring the Hendrick Motorsports campus.

Education’s Impact on Jimmie Johnson

“For as far back as I can remember, my parents instilled a certain framework in my brothers and I,” Johnson said.  “It was all about maintaining a solid grade point average in school and handling our responsibilities around the house. I’m so thankful they did as well. I may have not enjoyed it at the time. But, it allowed me to follow my dreams of racing.”

Furthermore, Johnson said, “I instill the same values in my daughters. I’m so impressed with Ally’s Fueling Futures initiative. Programs like this allow for me to participate and help kids in the community.”

As a result, students immersed themselves into various activities such as behind-the-scenes jobs essential to professional sports operations and related fields. For example, software development and computer experience were highlighted as key skills for jobs ranging from engineering simulations and vehicle repair diagnostics to social media production.

Ally’s Impact with Youth

Alison Summerville, business administration executive and head of Corporate Citizenship for Ally Financial, said, “Students often don’t realize how many career opportunities in racing exist beyond the driver’s seat. We hope today’s activities encourage teens to get excited and feel empowered about their futures.”

Representatives from Ally led the career “pit stop” discussion on budgeting and the importance of building credit and savings. Money management is an area where many young people feel unprepared. An Ally survey found that recent grads give themselves poor grades in personal finance and say they’d like to learn how to better manage their finances.

Furthermore, Ally made economic mobility and financial education as the cornerstones of its efforts to make communities stronger.

In the long run, Johnson and Ally hope for sustainable success with their initiative. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

In the long run, Johnson and Ally hope for sustainable success with their initiative. (Photo Credit: Stephen Conley/TPF)

Summerville added, “Jimmie shares our commitment to give back and do it right in the community. We’re excited to work with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. This partnership allows us to strengthen education opportunities and economic mobility through the ‘Ally Fueling Futures’ initiative.”

The No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car will feature a special paint scheme to recognize the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.  Ally Fueling Futures will be on the car for the Oct. 20 race at Kansas Speedway.

Summerville also said that they plan to continue the Ally Fueling Futures program next year after debuting at Michigan in August.

If it races, I'll write about it, talk about it or shoot it with a camera. I began pursuing a career in motorsports journalism immediately after attending college at Kent State University. I have hosted multiple Motorsports talk shows, worked in Country Music radio, and now i spend every day on the air in the morning with 1300 and 100.9 WMVO and in the afternoons watching the roadways around Central Ohio for 93.7 WQIO. The excitement and the fans make everything I put out there worth while, it's been an exciting 15 years having covered everything from the Daytona 500 to the Rolex 24 and you can find me at pretty much any event run at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. What I like to bring is a look behind the scenes, a look at what and who makes the sport grow. From the guy that welds pieces back at the shop to the host in the tv booth. Everyone has a story and I like to tell it. My main focus here at TPF is looking at the men and women behind the microphone and cameras. My life long goal is to become a member of MRN or PRN Radio and bring the races to you. I hope that what I share now is enjoyable and gives you a unique look in to the world of motorsports. See you at a track soon

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in NASCAR Cup Series