Jimmie Johnson And Shaquille O’Neal Fight It Out In Person After X ‘Feud’

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson and retired basketball star Shaquille O’Neal’s online ‘feud’ has come to fruition with a free throw competition.

The competition ended with O’Neal emerging as the winner, earning the privilege to design the livery of Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota for the upcoming Daytona 500.

Known for his impressive accomplishments in NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson has carved a distinguished career path inside the oval tracks. He clinched victories at the Daytona 500 in 2006 and again in 2013.

Currently pursuing a selective racing schedule, the 49-year-old is set to make his 22nd attempt at Daytona in 2025.

Shaquille O’Neal, often celebrated for his achievements across multiple NBA teams and securing four championship titles, is humorously infamous for his challenging relationship with free throws.

Yet, despite accumulating countless accolades on the court, he has often faced lighthearted critique over his free throw percentage, which stands at approximately 52.7%.

The origin of the free throw bout lies within an exchange that initiated on the social media platform, X. With O’Neal questioning Johnson’s persistence in NASCAR, Johnson promptly redirected attention to O’Neal’s own skills at the free-throw line, subsequently laying the groundwork for their friendly duel.

Shaquille O’Neal asked Jimmie Johnson on social media: “22 years not enough for you?”

More News: Shaquille O’Neal Challenged By NASCAR Legend Jimmie Johnson

Riding on the momentum of their online interaction, Shaq laid out a challenge that if he were to emerge victorious in a free throw competition, he would have the rights to craft the design of Johnson’s vehicle heading into the Daytona 500.

Jimmie Johnson responded: “You know it, @SHAQ? I’ve still got the drive. What about you, how’s that jump shot these days?”

Now, O’Neal has shared a video to X of the competition with Marty Smith from ESPN as referee.

More News: Jimmie Johnson Accelerates Team Ownership Takeover in Surprise Move

This comes after Johnson took over a majority stake in his NASCAR team, Legacy Motor Club. Commenting on the news, the seven-time Cup champion explained:

“I really have to thank Maury Gallagher for giving me the opportunity within the ownership space.

“He has been an outstanding partner, mentor and friend and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to work together, I’ve learned so much from him.

“As his professional career takes a different path, he can worry less about the daily team owner things and focus more on family and enjoying life.”

He continued:

“The partnership with Knighthead is a game-changer for Legacy MC. Their expertise in navigating complex investment opportunities and success in sports will provide Legacy MC with the resources and guidance needed to push for championships and solidify our place in NASCAR for years to come.

“Having Knighthead on board will not only strengthen our racing efforts but also enhance the fan experience and expand our reach in the global motorsports ecosystem, not limited to NASCAR.”

For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.