Jimmie Johnson has declared his intent to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500, targeting another start in NASCAR’s flagship event—despite facing the challenge of qualifying without a charter guarantee. The seven-time series champion’s move not only brings the Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 2026 campaign back into the spotlight, but also raises anticipation among fans as he plans to field the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota as a non-chartered, open entry.
Attempting Daytona 500 Qualification Without a Charter
Under current NASCAR rules, the Daytona 500 grid is capped at 40 cars, with 36 positions occupied by chartered teams, leaving just a few open slots for unchartered entrants. Johnson will have to secure his place in the race by either posting a fast qualifying lap or racing his way in through the Duel races, a path that has grown more competitive each season. The special Open Exemption Provisional does not apply to his situation, increasing the stakes for his qualifying attempt with the iconic Legacy Motor Club No. 84 Toyota.
This approach marks a return to familiar territory for Johnson at Daytona, a venue that has both tested and defined his storied career over the past two decades. As a racing veteran with a track record of high-profile starts after stepping back from full-time driving, Johnson’s choices add drama and excitement to NASCAR’s 2026 season opener.
Carvana Partnership Central to Johnson’s 2026 Bid
Johnson’s efforts in 2026 are once again supported by Carvana, which sponsored his prior limited outings—including a run in the No. 84 at Charlotte earlier this season. The partnership will remain central to his bid at Daytona, continuing a collaboration known for its creative car designs and fan engagement.
“Carvana has been an incredible partner, and every season we’ve found new ways to celebrate what makes racing so special,”
Johnson said in a team release.
“This year’s scheme is sharp, it’s fresh, and I can’t wait for fans to see it on the track in Daytona.”
— Jimmie Johnson, driver and co-owner
The ongoing NASCAR charter settlement means charters could eventually be distributed differently, but as of now, Johnson’s No. 84 is set to compete as an open, non-chartered entry. Even with Legacy Motor Club’s evolving stability thanks to the larger charter landscape, Johnson will not have a protected starting spot, so each session at Daytona carries enormous significance for his campaign.
Johnson’s Daytona 500 Performance Legacy
With 41 previous starts in NASCAR’s most prestigious event, Johnson boasts three Daytona 500 victories and 17 top-10 finishes, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence at the track. His recent appearances in 2025 included a third-place result in the Daytona 500 and an unfortunate DNF at the Coca-Cola 600, demonstrating his continued potential and the unpredictability that defines high-stakes events like Daytona.
A Homecoming to San Diego for a Historic NASCAR Event
Beyond Daytona, Johnson has also set his sights on a meaningful homecoming in the 2026 season. NASCAR will hold its first-ever street course race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, a city just 20 miles from Johnson’s hometown of El Cajon. This special event, already confirmed for June, stands out as the sport’s debut competition on an active military base, using a circuit that combines permanent and temporary surfaces and winds through operational areas including aircraft carrier surroundings.
“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday,”
Johnson said via NASCAR.
“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 you never forget.”
— Jimmie Johnson, driver and co-owner
For Johnson, racing near home carries deep emotional weight, intertwining his personal history with an historic milestone for the NASCAR community and San Diego’s military community as well.
Continuing Competitive Drive at Age 50
As he reaches age 50, Johnson’s planning for high-profile starts at both Daytona and San Diego underlines his enduring passion for racing and the ongoing support he enjoys from partners, fans, and his team at Legacy Motor Club. With no guaranteed starting position in the Daytona 500, his journey through qualifying will be closely watched by the motorsport community. Johnson’s commitment to these challenges not only cements his legacy as a champion and community role model but also injects renewed excitement and intrigue into the 2026 NASCAR season.
Here is the Jimmie Johnson scheme for Daytona 500: pic.twitter.com/J0h2Y5N0EW
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2025
