Jimmie Johnson celebrates 700th NASCAR Cup Series start, joining a small group of drivers to achieve this milestone as he took the green flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. Though his race was cut short after an early crash, Johnson reflected on the personal significance of reaching 700 starts at the track where his Cup Series journey began.
Marking a Major Career Milestone at a Special Track
Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer, became just the 21st driver in NASCAR history to make 700 Cup starts. Approaching the milestone took him by surprise, as he acknowledged recently while appearing on Steve Letarte’s Inside the Race podcast.
“What was wild is I didn’t realize that I was coming up to this moment until we’re, like, literally going to Daytona for my 699th start,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s around the corner.’”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Though some wondered whether the event held more weight for the media than for Johnson himself, he was quick to share the true importance of the accomplishment. Known for taking pride in milestones, Johnson has always considered numbers significant, especially given that both his seven championships and now the number 700 are meaningful to him.
“Yeah, no, the number is massive. And you know me, I’m a numbers guy. Number seven holds a special spot in my heart, and to have 700—so yeah,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Charlotte Motor Speedway carries added value in this achievement, as the track hosted Johnson’s Cup debut on October 7, 2001. Returning for his 700th start, nearly 24 years later and at the same venue, highlighted the full arc of his career and amplified the emotions of the day.
“To reach my 700th start at the very race and track where my Cup career began makes this moment incredibly special,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“It’s a full-circle journey, and to share it with fans on Memorial Day weekend while honoring a fallen service member adds even more meaning.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
As Johnson looked back on the significance of the milestone, he not only celebrated with fans but also used the occasion to honor the memory of fallen service members, which added further depth to the moment. The historic setting and the commemoration blended to create a distinctive personal and public experience for the NASCAR veteran.
The impact of the weekend reached beyond NASCAR. Earlier the same day, Johnson participated in the festivities at the Indianapolis 500, where he gave NFL legend Tom Brady a high-speed ride, merging the worlds of IndyCar and NASCAR in a unique way.
“It was a very, very special weekend to be able to celebrate 700 and also go to the Indianapolis 500, give Tom Brady a ride in a two-seat car, and help continue to promote motorsports—both IndyCar and NASCAR,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“And my 700th start, it was a great weekend.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Challenging Race Night and Owning Up to a Costly Error
While Johnson’s 700th start was steeped in emotion, his return to Charlotte Motor Speedway brought unexpected adversity. Lining up 17th in the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, Johnson spun out in Turn 4 on lap 112, triggering a multi-car accident that ended his race with a last-place, 40th-place finish.
Without hesitation, the co-owner of Legacy Motor Club accepted full responsibility for the incident, describing the crash as a rare lapse in judgement in an ever-evolving competitive environment.
“I just made a rookie mistake … the traffic situations are just different with this car,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“My instincts—I kind of reacted in a way that I shouldn’t have. And by the time I realized it, it was too late,”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“I wish I was still out there.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Even with the frustration of an early exit, Johnson maintained his focus on Legacy Motor Club’s bigger picture. As a seasoned competitor and team leader, he found encouragement in seeing his other cars performing well, underscoring the importance of collective success on such an important occasion.
Legacy and Looking Ahead after a Meaningful Milestone
Jimmie Johnson’s 700th NASCAR Cup Series start not only cemented his legacy among stock car racing’s most enduring figures, but also provided a moment of reflection at Charlotte, the very place he began as a Cup Series driver. Despite a crash that sidelined him early, Johnson’s emotion-filled weekend blended personal pride, public celebration, and memorable interactions with athletes like Tom Brady at the Indianapolis 500.
Recognized for both his achievements on the track and his contributions off it, Johnson stands as a prominent figure for NASCAR and motorsports. His milestone start serves as a reminder of a remarkable career and inspires both teammates and fans as he continues to shape his legacy in new roles beyond the driver’s seat.
