TNT adding Jimmie Johnson as NASCAR analyst

TNT Sports has added another major NASCAR name to its broadcast lineup, with seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson joining the network as a studio analyst for this summer's In-Season Challenge.

Johnson, 50, makes his TNT debut on June 28 during coverage of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. He is also scheduled to appear during the July 19 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the July 26 championship round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Joining TNT Sports is an opportunity that truly energizes me," Johnson said in a statement. "NASCAR has given me so much throughout my career, and getting the chance to share that passion from a new perspective alongside a fantastic team of NASCAR legends is something I'm really looking forward to."

Johnson gives TNT another Hall of Fame-level voice as the network expands its studio coverage for the In-Season Challenge. This five-race tournament is a single-elimination event built into the middle of the Cup Series schedule, with the final two drivers racing head-to-head for the title at The Brickyard.

TNT is also adding ESPN's Marty Smith as its pre- and post-race host for the full tournament. Smith will anchor coverage with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte and Jamie McMurray, while Jeff Burton will serve as studio analyst for the two events Johnson does not work: July 5 at Chicagoland Speedway and July 12 at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.

TNT returned to NASCAR coverage last season as part of the sport's current media rights package. Its primary Cup Series window is built around the In-Season Challenge, which gives the network a short, defined run during the summer portion of the schedule.

--Field Level Media