4-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson crashes during practice at Daytona, but OK

NASCAR champ Johnson crashes in practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Four-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson crashed during practice Thursday for this weekend’s 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnson is feeling fine and hoping to get back behind the wheel for another practice on Friday, driver spokeswoman Kristine Curley said. Johnson is still planning to drive in the 24 Hours of Daytona on Daytona’s 3.56-mile road course.

“I put myself in a position with a GT car that I shouldn’t and paid the price,” Johnson said in a statement. “I hate it that I tore up equipment and put the guys in this spot. It looks like we will get this fixed and hopefully everything will be good for tomorrow.”

Johnson damaged the rear end of his No. 99 Chevrolet Riley Daytona Prototype trying to avoid a slower car. He hit the brakes, turned sideways, slid backward and slammed into the wall.

Johnson’s team is planning to rush parts to Daytona and work through the night in hopes of getting the car back on the track by Friday.