El Cajon’s Jimmie Johnson honored at the White House

El Cajon native and NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson was honored at the White House Wednesday, at the personal request of President Obama.

Johnson was invited to the White House along with a number of other drivers. President Obama recognized their achievements as well as the achievements of NASCAR itself. Obama complimented NASCAR on its wholesome family values as well as its support of U.S troops and the environment.

He stated NASCAR events are events the whole family can enjoy, and that the racers themselves form a family along with their pit crews. He told ESPN2 in an interview that the community formed among families in the stands, as well as the racers below, represent the unity that America embodies. The President and NASCAR racers were joined by injured soldiers from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Jimmie Johnson attended Granite Hills High School in El Cajon. He’s a three time winner of the Sprint Cup and is only the second driver to have won three consecutive championships. He still keeps close ties to the San Diego community with certain car dealers carrying his name. He still remains an avid Chargers and Padres fan.

President Obama has remained involved in professional sports during his presidency, often meeting with professional athletes and giving his prediction on big sporting events. He correctly predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers as this past year’s Super Bowl champs as well as predicting the North Carolina Tar Heels as the NCAA division one basketball champions.