Mitchell Johnson, one of the most fearsome fast-bowlers in the history of Cricket, is gearing up to make his mark behind the wheels after retiring from all forms of the game in August 2018.

Johnson, former Australian pacer, now wants to try his hands in a different kind of speed after establishing himself as a tearaway fast bowler in cricket, as the 36-year old is all set to make his motor racing debut this weekend at the Barbagello Raceway in a Formula 1000 series event.

The Aussie said that he is very passionate about his cars and car racing is another feeling that he always used to have in him. Johnson took a liking to motorsport at a charity event and since then, he has been trained with Perth-based Arise Racing to participate in the upcoming racing event.

Johnson told the Wanneroo Times on Thursday (September 13), “I've always loved my cars, I've always had that passion. For me it's that release - it's not quite the same as what I got with cricket but it's a great adrenaline rush for me to get my mind off things. You're going pretty quick, you've got so many technical things to think about - when you're going to turn into the corner, braking, feeling the car. It's been a great process - I'm starting to really enjoy it.”

Meanwhile, the former pace superhead recalled the time when he faced Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar, saying it is exactly how felt the first time he took the steering wheel.

Johnson signed off by saying, “I faced Shoaib Akhtar when I was playing for Queensland. He's got this massive run-up - the first ball, I was sort of shaking there. His first ball, hit for four, it was a full toss and I ran past and said 'please don't hit me'. It was almost the same as the first time I was driving out here.”