Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, has openly addressed his NASCAR future, revealing that his days of regular victory are behind him. Since stepping out of retirement and returning part-time with Legacy Motor Club, Johnson has struggled to recapture the dominance that once defined his career, citing the challenges presented by NASCAR’s new generation of cars as a pivotal factor.
Transition Challenges with Next Gen Cars
Johnson originally retired from full-time racing in 2020 with an impressive record of 83 wins and seven championships to his name. However, after a three-year break, his return to NASCAR has not yielded the results fans hoped for, as he has achieved just a single top-five finish since rejoining the series. The competition’s landscape shifted dramatically with the introduction of Next Gen cars in 2022—a change that Johnson admits has been difficult to adapt to.
Though fans continue to cheer for him when he appears at major tracks, Johnson acknowledges that victory in this era is no longer a realistic expectation. In an interview with Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, he explained that his perspective has changed significantly.
“It’s really about having fun now,”
Johnson said. — Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Team Owner
He spoke candidly about the diminished chances for part-time drivers like himself amid the current competition.
“These Next Gen cars are so different, and the guys who do it every single day keep inching away from people like me who moonlight a few times a year. So my goals have shifted: If it helps the team, I’m in. If I get to go out there and have fun, I’m absolutely in,”
Johnson further added. — Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Team Owner
Evolving Practice Routines and Increased Barriers
The legendary driver, recently reaching the age of 50, offered insights into how the format of NASCAR race weekends has changed. He pointed to the greatly reduced practice times—now just 25 minutes before qualifying—as a major shift from earlier periods in his career. This shortened practice session limits adaptability and customization, forcing teams and drivers to rely heavily on simulator time and come to race weekends with setups nearly finalized.
“The more time I spend around the Cup Series with this generation of car, the more I realize my chances of having a real shot to win, unless it’s at Daytona or Talladega, are slim.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Team Owner
Due to this system, incremental improvement is difficult for those not racing every weekend. Johnson believes his perspective might differ if he still had access to the two-hour practice sessions of the past, stating the current structure favors full-time competitors while disadvantaging part-timers.
Priority Shifts to Team and Enjoyment
As a team owner of Legacy Motor Club, Johnson is also involved in efforts to strengthen his organization’s position in NASCAR. The team is working towards acquiring a third charter by 2027, although their plans are complicated by ongoing litigation with Rick Ware Racing over a previously attempted purchase. In the meantime, Johnson remains focused on contributing where possible to Legacy Motor Club’s future while enjoying his limited time behind the wheel.
“The GOAT @JimmieJohnson turns 50 today. In this Q&A, he reflects on the milestone birthday and shares his outlook on being a team owner and what keeps him motivated.”
— Jeff Gluck, Journalist
Looking Ahead for Johnson and His Team
Although Johnson’s active racing days at the top appear to be over, his presence continues to inspire both fans and emerging drivers. His honesty about the limitations facing part-timers in the Next Gen era underscores the changing nature of NASCAR competition, while his ongoing role with Legacy Motor Club suggests he remains committed to shaping the sport’s future. For Jimmie Johnson, the pursuit has shifted from championship glory to improving his team and finding enjoyment in each lap he completes.
The GOAT @JimmieJohnson turns 50 today. In this Q&A, he reflects on the milestone birthday and shares his outlook on being a team owner and what keeps him motivated.https://t.co/bHxL4A6nNu
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 17, 2025
