INDIANAPOLIS – After testing the Indy car waters virtually during the iRacing IndyCar Challenge earlier this year, Jimmie Johnson will finally get his first shot to drive an Indy car in real life next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Johnson confirmed via social media Monday afternoon that he will test a Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara-Honda on July 8 at IMS, following the GMR Grand Prix there this Saturday.

I get to test an @IndyCar next week! A big thanks to my friends @CGRIndyCar & @GanassiChip for the opportunity. Now back to the gym for a crash course in IndyCar specific strength training. pic.twitter.com/Bc7JLB1O8T

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) June 29, 2020

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will test the Ganassi entry on the track’s 2.439-mile road course, per team officials, who also noted that Chip Ganassi Racing is permitted to test Johnson under IndyCar rules that allow teams to do driver evaluations.

Johnson was scheduled to test an Arrow McLaren SP Indy car April 6 at Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park, but that test was stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent cancellation of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama for 2020.

He had been fitted for a seat with the McLaren team and also attended preseason testing for the NTT IndyCar Series at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, as well.

Prior to his Indy car outing next Wednesday, Johnson will compete on the IMS oval Sunday with the NASCAR Cup Series, seeking his record-tying fifth Brickyard 400 victory.

After news of Johnson’s impending test hit social media Wednesday, several notable well-wishers chimed in to either offer their excitement or send out words of encouragement.

Can’t wait to see @JimmieJohnson behind the wheel of the @CGRTeams @IndyCar next week’ ???? https://t.co/eW2MUh0vax

— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) June 29, 2020

Hey 7x Champ @JimmieJohnson! Looking forward to giving you a go at this @indycar stuff! Maybe we can get 5x @scottdixon9 to give you a tip or two! See you there July 8th @imsroad course https://t.co/hjLcgSgx2Y

— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) June 29, 2020

Looking forward to seeing you turn right and left at @IMS next week, 7X. https://t.co/s3VnFsFeqL

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) June 29, 2020