HBO Sports’ “24/7″ program to focus on NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson

NASCAR’s Johnson to film series with HBO Sports

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is opening his life for HBO Sports’ award-winning “24/7″ program.

HBO is already following the defending three-time champion to collect video for a four-episode, all-access series. The show will air beginning in January and focus on Johnson’s preparation for the 2010 season-opening Daytona 500.

It is HBO’s first venture into NASCAR, and marks the first time its “24/7″ franchise will stray from boxing.

Johnson and his wife, Chandra, wanted to do the show after they became hooked on the boxing series. They’ll allow cameras to capture several aspects of their lives, as will Hendrick Motorsports and Johnson’s entire team.