Jimmie Johnson returns to Daytona 500 with new crew chief for what promises to be an exciting race in 2025. Known for his seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, Jimmie Johnson is back at the legendary track with a fresh partnership. This time, Chad Johnston, a former crew chief from Stewart-Haas Racing, will be calling the shots. Can this new dynamic lead to a victory in the most prestigious race of the season?
Key Highlights
- Jimmie Johnson will drive the #84 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club in the 2025 Daytona 500.
- Chad Johnston, a seasoned crew chief, joins the team to enhance competitive performance.
- The Open Provisional Exemption rule allows Johnson’s participation without affecting others’ championship points.
- Johnson’s return marks a significant moment in his racing career, building on his seven Cup Series championships.
- The collaboration with Chad Johnston aims to provide a strategic advantage for Johnson in the Daytona 500.
Jimmie Johnson Set to Compete in the 2025 Daytona 500 with Chad Johnston
Jimmie Johnson, a legendary figure in NASCAR, is preparing for an exciting return to the Daytona 500 in 2025, where he will team up with Chad Johnston. Known as “Superman” in the racing world, Johnson has carved a niche in NASCAR history with an impressive record that includes seven Cup Series championships.
In a partnership that promises to captivate racing enthusiasts, he will drive the #84 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club, a team he co-owns.
Johnson’s return to Daytona represents more than just another race; it marks a notable chapter in his storied career, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
With Johnston, a seasoned former crew chief from Stewart-Haas Racing, calling the shots, their collaboration is set to bring a tactical edge to the competition.
As the 67th running of the Daytona 500 approaches, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo.
Chad Johnston Joins Legacy Motor Club’s Engineering Team
Chad Johnston’s shift to Legacy Motor Club‘s engineering team marks a remarkable development in the NASCAR landscape. Known for his tactical insight, Johnston brings a wealth of experience accumulated over a decade as a crew chief. His prominent career includes a recent tenure with the #41 Ford Mustang team, working alongside Ryan Preece at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR).
NEWS: Chad Johnston will serve as crew chief for Jimmie Johnson and the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE in 2025, @LEGACYMotorClub tells Racing America On SI
Read More via @joe_srigley ⤵️https://t.co/jWz3IjIbMN
— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) February 5, 2025
However, with SHR’s surprising exit from the sport, Johnston’s expertise was promptly secured by Jimmie Johnson’s Cup Series outfit.
As the manager for Race Engineering, Johnston is expected to utilize his extensive knowledge to improve Legacy Motor Club’s competitive edge. His appointment highlights the team’s commitment to high-level performance, drawing on Johnston’s history of collaborating with top drivers and teams.
This calculated move is anticipated to strengthen the engineering department, aligning with the club’s ambition to excel in the NASCAR Cup Series. Johnston’s role promises to influence the team’s future success considerably.
New Open Provisional Exemption Rule Brings Johnson Back to Daytona
With Chad Johnston taking on a new role at Legacy Motor Club, attention shifts to the exciting developments surrounding Jimmie Johnson‘s upcoming participation in the Daytona 500.
This opportunity arises thanks to NASCAR’s groundbreaking Open Provisional Exemption (OEP) rule, specifically crafted to draw elite drivers from diverse motorsport backgrounds to this prestigious event.
This rule introduces a 41st entry slot to the usual 40-car lineup, accommodating distinguished talents like Johnson without impacting the championship points or prize money for regular competitors.
Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 victor, is set to utilize this exemption, marking a notable return to the racetrack.
While he won’t earn points or monetary rewards under this provision, his presence adds considerable excitement and anticipation to the race.
The OEP rule also guarantees competitors finishing behind him benefit, as they advance in standings, thereby adjusting their points and earnings positively.
Jimmie Johnson on Racing Against ‘The Best in the World’
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Jimmie Johnson‘s participation in the 2007 Race of Champions stands out as a remarkable moment of sportsmanship and competition. The event, held at Wembley, brought together elite drivers from diverse motorsport disciplines.
Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion, teamed with Travis Pastrana for Team USA. They faced formidable opponents, including Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher and future F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, who represented Team Germany.
🐐 vs 🐐
On December 16, 2007, Jimmie Johnson and Michael Schumacher raced head-to-head at the Race of Champions in London. Driving Fiat Grande Puntos, Schumacher won by 3 seconds.
📸Simon James/WireImage pic.twitter.com/0sM6GLPQV0
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) December 16, 2020
Ahead of the race, Johnson expressed his admiration for Schumacher, noting their shared achievement of winning seven titles in their respective series, with five consecutive championships each. He regarded the opportunity to compete against Schumacher as a notable highlight, emphasizing the unique challenges presented by the event.
Johnson remarked that racing at lower speeds required a focus on specialized precision, with hitting marks being essential. For Johnson, competing against the world’s best was both an honor and a test of skill.
“It’s one hell of a great opportunity to race against the best in the world, and as a driver that’s what you’re always looking for — it’s what you want. It’s a different type of race. We’re only going about 30 mph [average], so we’ll have to be really technically sound. Hitting your marks will be key.”
Schumacher and Vettel Eliminated Johnson and Pastrana in 2007 Race of Champions
In the 2007 Race of Champions, Team USA, represented by Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana, faced a formidable challenge in the team of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel from Team Germany.
Despite Johnson’s recent success in NASCAR, clinching his alternate consecutive championship, the duo encountered considerable obstacles when pitted against the German powerhouse.
Schumacher, already recognized globally as a champion, and the rising star Vettel, were formidable competitors. Their proficiency in varied racing disciplines provided them with an edge in this unique motorsport event.
“Everyone recognizes [Schumacher] as a champion, and after winning my second straight championship in NASCAR, I hope I’m perceived that way. Beating him and helping Team USA win the Nations Cup would be the perfect ending to the best year of my career.” – Jimmie Johnson
Johnson had hoped to cap off his remarkable year by overcoming Schumacher, thereby contributing to Team USA’s victory in the Nations Cup.
However, the German team’s skill and tactical expertise ultimately led to the elimination of Johnson and Pastrana.
This outcome emphasized the critical stakes and competitive nature of the Race of Champions, highlighting the intense international rivalry and the challenges faced by Johnson and Pastrana.
News in Brief: Jimmie Johnson Returns to Daytona 500 with New Crew Chief
Jimmie Johnson’s return to the Daytona 500 in 2025 marks an exciting chapter in his storied career, as he teams up with Chad Johnston at Legacy Motor Club. The new open provisional exemption rule has facilitated Johnson’s comeback, allowing him to compete against top-tier drivers.
Reuniting with Johnston, renowned for his engineering expertise, promises a strong performance. This tactical collaboration aims to utilize their combined experience and skills, offering a promising outlook for the highly anticipated race.
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