Full Throttle

Jimmie Johnson may be chasing his first NASCAR championship but that hasn’t stopped organizers from selecting him to represent the U.S. at the Race of Champions in Paris, France.

This year’s Race of Champions will feature a new track layout as the Stade de France hosts the event for the third time.

The aim of the new design is to allow the spectators to see the cars alongside each other for longer, and increase the top speeds they can reach in the event on December 16.

Fredrik Johnson, President of IMP, the event organizers, said: “I believe the racing will be more spectacular than ever this year. With two years’ experience at the Stade de France behind us, we have sought to optimize the full length of the stadium.”

Co-organizer Michele Mouton added: “Following the testing we have carried out, a surveyor took extremely precise measurements to facilitate the construction of the circuit.

“The surface itself will be made of asphalt, but with less grip dialed in to guarantee a great show.”

The circuit will be set up around two weeks before the event this year. Work will begin six days after the rugby match between France and Argentina on November 25.

Joining Johnson for this years event are Sebastien Loeb, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Andy Priaulx and Marcus Gronholm.

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