Jimmie Johnson is set to make a dramatic return to the NASCAR Cup Series, planning to compete in the much-anticipated San Diego race at Naval Base Coronado with the full support of sponsor Carvana. This event not only brings Johnson, a native of El Cajon, back to his roots, but also shines a spotlight on the Jimmie Johnson San Diego race, marking a possible new era for NASCAR in southern California.
Legacy Continues Beyond Milestone Races
A recent start at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway marked Johnson’s 700th Cup Series appearance and seemed to many as a fitting endpoint for the seven-time champion’s storied career. As the principal owner of Legacy Motor Club, his presence in a car reminiscent of past triumphs carried symbolic weight, especially after a legacy of victories at Charlotte. Yet, for Johnson, retirement is far from his mind, fueled by a relentless competitive spirit and the backing of Carvana.
A Determined Return to His Hometown
The upcoming event in San Diego, just a short drive from Johnson’s hometown of El Cajon, reflects both personal and professional motivation. Johnson has made it clear that returning home to race is a major driving force.
“I have more years in me. I want to keep going,”
said Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
“The desire to race in my hometown is off the charts. I will aggressively work on being in the event,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
Backed by Carvana, Johnson’s participation brings both nostalgia and excitement for fans in the region, particularly as NASCAR looks to establish a stronger presence in new west coast markets.
New Experiences and a Lasting Passion for Racing
Since stepping away from full-time Cup racing at the close of 2020, Johnson has pursued a variety of racing disciplines, including landmark events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500, as well as boat and off-road car competitions. These adventures were underscored by an international stint living in the United Kingdom, before resuming active involvement in the U.S. with his team.
Alongside Global events, Johnson’s competitive streak remains. He achieved a fifth-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500 and became the first Hall of Famer in NASCAR history to secure a top-10 points position while still an active competitor.
Team Ambitions and Growth with Legacy Motor Club
For Johnson and Legacy Motor Club, the goal is more than individual achievement. The team seeks expansion, aiming to secure a third charter and continue developing talent and infrastructure.
“I want to keep going… I think it’s good for us. We’re hopeful to have a third charter. Need to start building a team. There’s a chance that I run more races next year if we have a third charter on the docket and have a sponsor to bring along, team members to groom, a crew chief to get reps,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
“There’s a lot of scenarios that are in play. I’m hopeful I can keep going,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
The organization’s recent performance underscores this vision, with strong finishes from drivers like Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek in marquee races such as the Southern 500. Key hires, including Hendrick Motorsports’ Brian Campe, are making an impact as Legacy Motor Club positions itself for continued ascent in the Cup Series field.
A New Challenge Awaits in San Diego
The San Diego race presents a unique stage: for Johnson, it is a long-awaited homecoming; for NASCAR, it is a first in a metropolitan area of more than 3 million residents, expanding to over 5 million when accounting for nearby Tijuana, Mexico. Johnson recognizes the exceptional talent he may face, as Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) has quickly risen as a formidable road course contender—already favored to win in San Diego after remarkable performances including four wins out of five road course events in his debut full-time Cup season.
“The skills he has, if he stays in the sport for 5, 10 years… I would then start to think greatest of all time,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
“Fastest guy to be in a Cup car, that conversation is timely. Greatest of all time, we need more sample sets to choose from,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
SVG’s showings in Chicago and dominance across various venues have set the stage for fierce competition, something Johnson and race fans are eager to see unfold on San Diego’s streets.
Community Anticipation and Regional Impact
As NASCAR shifts from established circuits in the Los Angeles area, such as Auto Club Speedway and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, to untapped markets like San Diego, there is palpable excitement among fans and stakeholders. The region’s favorable weather, vibrant social scene, and large population make it an attractive site for a major racing event. Johnson shares the community’s enthusiasm for what this could mean for entertainment and engagement in southern California.
“When I was approached, it was much more of a ‘This is what we’re doing’ conversation versus ‘What do you think?’ To a San Diegan, to hear those words, just smiling, like, ‘No way this really can happen.’”
, Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
“When I think of the annual events that take place… the community loves something to do on the weekends. With the great weather, the social scene and the relaxed nature, to go to an event and enjoy is top of mind. People really look for those experiences,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
Attendance and local investment will be crucial. Previous challenges faced by tracks such as Auto Club Speedway—where a decrease to one event helped stabilize interest—underscore the stakes for building a successful and lasting NASCAR tradition in San Diego.
Looking Ahead for Johnson and NASCAR
For NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club, the San Diego race signals both a celebration of history and an opportunity to capture a new audience. Johnson believes the locale is well-suited for a signature racing event and is optimistic about unearthing a passionate new fan base in the process.
“I know there are race fans in and around San Diego. There are more fans to be discovered there,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
“I’m biased, so I think it’s the perfect location. I can’t wait for San Diego to shine. I think it’s going to be great, I really do,”
Jimmie Johnson, Driver/Owner.
As Johnson’s leadership steers Legacy Motor Club through new ventures and legal hurdles with entities like Rick Ware Racing, his return to competition in San Diego embodies his enduring love for racing and his ambition to push boundaries for both himself and the sport. The exact number of future starts Johnson will make in 2026 remains unconfirmed, but his passion for racing—and the Jimmie Johnson San Diego race—continues to fuel his drive and legacy.
