Jimmie Johnson will not race this weekend in Chicago following a suspected murder-suicide of his in-laws in their Oklahoma home.
Johnson had been scheduled to race in the inaugural Chicago Street Race, which would have been his fourth NASCAR Cup Series race this season.
Legacy Motor Club, which Johnson co-owns, announced Tuesday afternoon that they would be withdrawing the No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet from the event.
“The Johnson family has asked for privacy at this time and no further statements will be made,” the statement read.
Johnson’s in-laws, Jack and Terry Janway, the parents of the NASCAR star’s wife, Chandra Janway, were found dead in a home in Oklahoma in what police suspect was a murder-suicide carried out by Terry.
Johnson and Janway’s 11-year-old nephew, Dalton Janway, was also found deceased.
Police believe that Terry shot and killed Jack and Dalton before turning the gun on herself.
“We are saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Chandra Johnson’s family,” NASCAR said in a statement after the suspected crime. “The entire NASCAR family extends its deepest support and condolences during this difficult time to Chandra, Jimmie and the entire Johnson & Janway families.”
Condolences came in from across the NASCAR world as well.
“Our family and entire team are all grieving with Chani, Jimmie and their loved ones,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement to NBC Sports. “This is a truly unthinkable tragedy, and our hearts are broken for them.
“I’ve been in touch with Jimmie and offered our love, support and the full resources of our organization in whatever capacity they need.”
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace also sent his condolences on Twitter saying, “Crushing blow. My prayers to @JimmieJohnson and Chandra and family.”
Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR champion and had competed in three races this season, which included the Daytona 500, Circuit of the Americas and the Coca-Cola 600.
