NASCAR veteran Jimmie Johnson addressed recent speculation about his future, sharing that the Coca-Cola 600 will not be his final appearance in the Cup Series and confirming his ongoing plans for racing. Johnson’s future NASCAR Cup Series plans remain active beyond his upcoming 700th start at Charlotte Motor Speedway, as he intends to continue competing when it aligns with his goals.
Johnson Reaches 700 Starts, Dismisses Retirement Speculation
Questions regarding the end of Jimmie Johnson’s Cup Series career circulated as he prepared for his 700th race during this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Johnson, who has stepped back from full-time competition, will drive in the Cup Series for the milestone race, marking yet another chapter for the seven-time champion.
Earlier in the 2025 season, Johnson delivered an impressive third-place finish at the Daytona 500, demonstrating he can still perform at the highest level in the No. 84 toyota/”>Toyota. Despite thoughts about retiring on a round number, Johnson made it clear he does not plan to step away from the Cup Series after Sunday’s race.
There’s been speculation that 700 for seven-time is the end, but FYI that’s not the plan,”Gluck wrote on X.”It’s a significant round number at the place where JJ made his first start, but we will see him in a Cup car again. —Jeff Gluck, Reporter
Jeff Gluck of The Athletic relayed these updates as the NASCAR community anticipated Johnson’s decision, highlighting the significance of this weekend’s event taking place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the location where Johnson first competed in a Cup car.
Johnson Emphasizes Continued Commitment to Cup Series
While fans might have wondered about a possible retirement, Johnson himself has stated he is not ready to exit the track permanently. His recent comments supported Gluck’s report, as he described how meaningful his 700th start is but stopped short of calling it a career finale. Johnson expressed motivation to remain involved with his current team, Legacy Motor Club, as long as it feels like the right fit.
Seven hundred, at Charlotte, it’s really turning out to be something very special for me,”Johnson said.”It’s not going to be my last, you know, it would be nice to end on a round number, but I’ll still be behind the wheel at least next year and as long as it really makes sense for me to run cars here at Legacy Motor Club. —Jimmie Johnson, Driver
In addition to his Cup Series plans, Johnson’s weekend will include a collaborative moment with NFL legend Tom Brady, as the two participate in ceremonial laps at the Indianapolis 500, underscoring Johnson’s role as a high-profile competitor in multiple motorsports events, including collaborations with teams like Chip Ganassi Racing.
Looking Ahead for Jimmie Johnson’s Racing Path
After the Coca-Cola 600, Johnson has said he will provide more details regarding his next steps in NASCAR. For now, his attention is focused on the current competition and the pursuit of further victories. As fans and analysts await further updates, Johnson’s enduring presence in the Cup Series continues to be a hallmark of the ongoing NASCAR season.
The news affirms that Jimmie Johnson’s impact on the sport remains significant, and his future NASCAR Cup Series plans are set to keep him behind the wheel as long as the circumstances support it, extending his legacy within the racing community and at venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and beyond.
