Jimmie Johnson has set his sights on the 2026 Daytona 500, committing to NASCAR’s iconic season opener even though he must qualify as a non-chartered entry. The seven-time Cup Series champion, returning with Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84 Toyota, will race without the security of a guaranteed spot, making his attempt both high-profile and fraught with challenge as he again targets glory at one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.
Johnson Faces a Tough Road to the 2026 Daytona 500 Starting Grid
The Daytona 500 field is strictly limited to 40 cars, of which 36 are filled by chartered teams, leaving few open spots fiercely contested by hopefuls like Johnson. With the Open Exemption Provisional not applicable in his case, Johnson must secure his place through qualifying rounds and the Duel races. His decision marks another chapter in his storied career at Daytona—a track where he has become a familiar force but where entry, under NASCAR’s current structure, offers no special privileges to past champions running as open entries.
This new challenge comes amid changes in the NASCAR charter system, where future distributions and the shape of the Cup Series field remain in flux. Even if Legacy Motor Club gains more stability through potential charter reforms, Johnson’s No. 84 will remain outside the protective umbrella, required to prove its speed and merit on the track for a position in the main event.
Selective Racing Schedule and Ongoing Partnership With Carvana
Though no longer a full-time competitor, Johnson has remained active in major NASCAR events. Earlier in 2025, he piloted the recognizable sky-blue Carvana-backed No. 84 Toyota at Charlotte, again entering as an open car. This enduring partnership with Carvana continues to drive his return effort for 2026, ensuring both sponsor loyalty and fan anticipation remain central to the campaign.
“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, Legacy Motor Club Driver and Co-Owner
Johnson’s history at Daytona is a testament to his resilience and skill, with 41 starts yielding three wins and 17 top-10s—numbers that place him among the Cup Series’ most accomplished Daytona performers. In the 2025 season, he made two race appearances, claiming a third-place finish in the Daytona 500, though his Coca-Cola 600 run ended in a DNF.
Returning to San Diego: A Personal Homecoming for Johnson
Johnson’s 2026 agenda isn’t limited to Daytona. He has also confirmed plans to compete in NASCAR’s inaugural street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, a uniquely meaningful venue for the El Cajon native. Set for June, this event marks the sport’s first contest on an active military base, with a course weaving across fixed and open tarmac alongside military ships and aircraft.
“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, Legacy Motor Club Driver and Co-Owner
For Johnson, this San Diego appearance is both a professional and emotional milestone, bringing his career full circle by enabling him to compete close to his roots and in front of friends and family. The setting carries extra significance for the NASCAR community, as all three national series will race amidst the dramatic military backdrop.
Continuing Ambition and Impact as Johnson Nears 50
At 50 years old, Jimmie Johnson’s continued drive to race at major NASCAR venues underscores his enduring competitive spirit. By choosing selective signature events such as the Daytona 500 and the San Diego street race, Johnson affirms his place in the sport’s landscape and champions the importance of returning to meaningful locations, both for his personal journey and the broader motorsports community.
As NASCAR’s charter structure faces ongoing evolution and high-profile entries contest for limited spots, Johnson’s pursuit of the 2026 Daytona 500 as an open qualifier becomes a symbol of resilience and dedication. Whether or not he secures a starting position, his story remains closely followed by fans, partners like Carvana, and industry peers alike, reflecting both the challenges and deep significance of this stage of his legendary career.
Here is the Jimmie Johnson scheme for Daytona 500: pic.twitter.com/J0h2Y5N0EW
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2025
