Video: NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson tests IndyCar at Laguna Seca

Monday Jimmie Johnson visited Monterey County to kick off his new chapter as a 45-year-old rookie IndyCar driver.

The newly retired Johnson spent Monday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca testing a car and getting some laps in with Chip Ganassi Racing.

“The experience driving the [IndyCar] is so over the top,” Johnson said. “I’m very happy with the decision I made and look forward to climbing up to speed.”

“This is a much higher heart rate, interval-style training and it’s certainly more physical,” Johnson said. “The people I know from the NASCAR world think I’m crazy for starting all over. But they all understand the interest in driving one of these cars.”

“I am crazy. There’s no doubt about it,” Johnson said. “To come in and be a 45-year-old rookie and start all over again is kind of wild. But I just love a good challenge.”

KTVU Photojournalist Steve Doerr and Digital Producer Ryan Moran contributed to this report.