Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has announced his return to the track for the inaugural San Diego street race in June 2026, marking a significant moment in his career as he competes at Naval Base Coronado, close to his El Cajon roots. The news highlights the Jimmie Johnson San Diego race as a key event for the motorsports community and brings a celebrated figure back to his home state for a milestone competition.
Racing Legend Returns for Landmark San Diego Event
Jimmie Johnson, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner at LEGACY Motor Club, confirmed he will pilot the No. 84 Toyota Camry as part of the team’s entry in this historic San Diego race. The event will take place on June 21, 2026, at Naval Base Coronado, which is located just thirty minutes from Johnson’s hometown of El Cajon, California.
Sharing his excitement on social media, Johnson posted,
“Going back to Cali Excited to announce I’ll be participating in the inaugural @NASCARSanDiego race in my home state next June!”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
This race will mark the first time NASCAR has hosted a street race in the San Diego region, setting the scene for a landmark competition within the Cup Series schedule. Johnson’s participation adds star power to the event, making it especially meaningful for local fans and the broader NASCAR community.
Personal Significance for Jimmie Johnson
Racing close to home carries deep personal significance for Johnson, who is not only making a competitive appearance but also reconnecting with a community that shaped his early life. In a press statement, he reflected on the moment’s importance:
“To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget,”
Johnson said in a press release. “It’s a lifelong dream.”—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Career Milestones and 2026 Season Prospects
At age 50, Johnson brings with him a storied career, featuring over 700 Cup Series starts and an impressive 83 wins at the top level. While he stepped away from full-time competition following the 2020 season, he has remained active with occasional starts for LEGACY Motor Club since 2023. In 2025, he made two appearances, including a strong third-place finish at the Daytona 500, demonstrating his enduring competitiveness.
The complete details for Johnson’s 2026 season schedule are still pending, but his confirmed entry in the San Diego street race provides fans with at least one opportunity to see the legendary driver on the track next year.
Wider Context and Anticipated Impact
As a figure intertwined with both LEGACY Motor Club and NASCAR’s history, Johnson’s involvement in the San Diego race is expected to draw attention from motorsports fans and the local community alike. The event also offers a unique link between NASCAR and the military, taking place at Naval Base Coronado and allowing Johnson to compete in front of servicemembers as well as his personal supporters.
This homecoming not only presents a significant chapter in Johnson’s career but also sets the stage for San Diego to emerge as a new and exciting location on the NASCAR calendar. The race is poised to deliver memorable moments for both dedicated followers and newcomers to the sport, while Johnson’s return adds to the anticipation surrounding the Jimmie Johnson San Diego race.
Going back to Cali 🤙
Excited to announce I’ll be participating in the inaugural @NASCARSanDiego race in my home state next June!
Read More: https://t.co/2hTIQP2kEO pic.twitter.com/51Q8zzxzX2
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 5, 2025
