Jimmie Johnson criticizes NASCAR All-Star move after the governing body decided to shift its 2026 All-Star race from North Wilkesboro Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway, citing safety and attendance concerns. The seven-time champion voiced his dissatisfaction during an interview, reflecting both his personal experience and worries for other drivers as NASCAR adapts its Cup Series schedule.
Johnson Outspoken About Venue Shift for All-Star Race
Jimmie Johnson, a legend in the NASCAR Cup Series, discussed the upcoming changes on the Never Settle podcast with Marty Smith, focusing on NASCAR’s plans for the 2026 season. In a recent announcement, the association revealed it will introduce two off-weeks for drivers, alongside a significant venue change for the All-Star event, moving it from its traditional location at North Wilkesboro Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway.
Johnson did not hold back his views regarding the decision. He argued that moving the high-profile race to Dover poses problems due to decreasing attendance at the track and potential safety risks for drivers. Having raced and won at Dover 11 times, Johnson brings a unique perspective to the issue. He described the move as ill-advised, suggesting it undermines the spirit of the All-Star event.
“Attendance has been down. The driver experience on that track is top-shelf, like, every driver loves that place. I think in an All-Star race, you want to put the drivers in a position to rough each other up. I mean, there’s a million on the line; it should be five. A million dollars was a lot of money, and money—that’s the point I’m trying to make. I mean, it’s worth the investment for somebody somewhere.” —Jimmie Johnson, Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The 2026 NASCAR All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway is scheduled for July 19, 2026. Johnson further expressed that the event could see elevated stakes, with the prize money potentially increasing to attract more competitive action among drivers.
“And you need to track that somebody will crash the guy in front of him for $5 million. “It’s not Dover; I mean, they’ve hurt people,” he added. —Jimmie Johnson, Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Despite his history of success at Dover, Johnson’s apprehension centers on driver safety, referencing previous incidents and emphasizing that an All-Star race should encourage aggressive competition, but not at the expense of safety. Kyle Busch, the current Cup Series driver with the most wins at Dover Motor Speedway, with three victories, demonstrates the level of competition expected at this track.
Addressing Allegations Within Legacy Motor Club
Earlier in the year, Jimmie Johnson was featured in an interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, where he faced questions about changes within Legacy Motor Club (LMC). Speculation had arisen that Johnson, after Kingthead Capital Management LLC became a minor investor, had effectively forced co-owner Maury Gallagher out, as Johnson came to hold a majority stake.
Johnson robustly denied accusations of pushing Gallagher out, providing his account of their professional relationship and transition in team management. He shared that Gallagher stepped back voluntarily, seeking to enjoy racing without the demands of day-to-day operations.
“It might look that way, but, well, I guess maybe I’m reacting to cleaning house because it wasn’t. I didn’t clean Maury out.” —Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Co-Owner
“That’s been tough, and went through a lot of that during the course of the season. I was really surprised when I spoke to Maury towards the end of last year that he was just in a different place in life and didn’t want so much the day-to-day and wanted to give me that opportunity. And he just wants to come and eat a hot dog and hang out and have his headphones.” —Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Co-Owner
Legacy Motor Club currently fields two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, with John Hunter Nemechek driving the #42 Toyota Camry XSE and Erik Jones behind the wheel of the #43 Toyota Camry XSE. The team is also navigating legal proceedings involving Rick Ware Racing over a charter agreement, adding further turbulence to Johnson’s off-track responsibilities.
Implications of Schedule Changes and Internal Team Shifts
NASCAR’s decision to change the All-Star race venue has triggered strong reactions from experienced figures like Johnson, highlighting the complex balance between tradition, safety, attendance, and competitive excitement. His critique, coupled with his comments about Legacy Motor Club’s management, reflect ongoing debates within the racing world about how best to shape the future of the sport.
With the All-Star race set for Dover on July 19, 2026, and Legacy Motor Club managing both new partnerships and legal disputes, both Johnson and NASCAR face significant challenges. The industry will watch closely to see how these changes affect driver safety, fan engagement, and the ongoing evolution of NASCAR’s Cup Series events.
