Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson says Fernando Alonso’s recent exploits racing in the United States have opened up “worldwide exposure” w♒hich he sees as a huge benefit fo🧸r all parties.

Johnson met with Alonso at the Daytona media day this week with the two-time Formula 1 world champion preparing for his mai🤡den Rolex 24 at Daytona race with United Autosports. Having made his Indianapolis 500 debut last year with McLaren-Andretti, Alonso returns to the stateside thanks to ♑the backing from McLaren chief Zak Brown who co-owns the Anglo-American United Autosports squad.

Johnson says he’s kept a close eye on Alonso’s efforts both at the Indianapolis 500 and the upcoming Daytona 24-hour race and has been massively im🤪pressed by his efforts both on and off track.

“I've been a huge Alonso fans for a lot of years,” Johnson said at a NASCAR me🤪dia day in Charlotte. “Just mentioned to him out there that the way he came and ran Indy, I mean, certainly did an amazing job in the car, but outside of the car.

“The friends that I have on the IndyCar circuit, just handled himself so well, did a great job. I think ✃really brought a lot to the table when he raced here. Worldwide exposure on motorsports is really goo♎d for us here stateside.”

Free practice and qualifying for the 2018 Rolex 24 at Daytona gets underway today (Thursday 25th January) ahead of the ra🥂ce which takes place this weekend on the 27-28th Janu🐟ary.

During the ‘Roar before the 24’ pre-event test, Alonso put his #23 United Autosports Ligier 12th in test qualifying with ex-Formula 1 🌠driver Felipe Nasr topping the times with the #31 Action Express Cadillac Dpi.