Jimmie Johnson is set for a high-profile comeback to NASCAR’s Truck Series, nearly two decades after his last appearance in the competition, as he takes on a new challenge in San Diego this June. His much-anticipated Jimmie Johnson Truck Series return has energized fans and drawn industry attention, highlighting both the legacy of this seven-time Cup champion and the evolving landscape of NASCAR’s major events.
Racing Comeback Brings Johnson Back to the Trucks
Jimmie Johnson, who last competed in the Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2008, will once again step behind the wheel of a truck after an 18-year gap. In his only Truck outing in 2008, Johnson led dozens of laps before a crash ended his night, prompting him to focus solely on his illustrious Cup Series pursuits. Since then, Johnson has become a NASCAR Hall of Famer with 83 Cup victories, cementing his status among the sport’s all-time greats.
Interest in Johnson’s return reached a peak after veteran reporter Kelly Crandall shared the news on X:
“Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 1 truck for Tricon Garage in the inaugural event at San Diego in June. It’ll be his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2008.”
— Kelly Crandall, Journalist
His upcoming participation will take place on the new 3.4-mile, 16-turn street circuit along the San Diego waterfront, a unique addition to the NASCAR schedule. Tricon Garage, which has welcomed Johnson with enthusiasm, will provide the No. 1 truck for this momentous occasion. Carvana, a brand already aligned with Johnson’s Cup Series efforts, will serve as the primary sponsor both for his Truck Series outing and his No. 84 Cup entry with Legacy Motor Club the following day.
Personal Ties and Event Significance for Johnson
Johnson, who grew up in El Cajon near San Diego, reflected on the deeper meaning of this event for him. He shared his feelings about competing close to home and honoring those connected to the race‘s military venue:
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me – it’s home.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“Getting behind the wheel of a Truck Series entry has been on my mind for a while. The competition is incredible, and doing it at a historic street race on a Navy base in my hometown? That’s special. I’m grateful to TRICON and Carvana for making this happen, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to honor our military and celebrate where I’m from.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver
This special entry fits within Johnson’s selective 2026 racing schedule, which also includes a run in the Daytona 500. The Tricon Garage team captured the excitement surrounding his return by publicly welcoming the seven-time champion ahead of the San Diego event, emphasizing the prestige he brings to the race.
The Context: Star Power Amid Rising Competition
Johnson’s return to truck racing highlights the series’ growth and intensified competition. Full-time drivers like Carson Hocevar and Rajah Caruth have contributed to the series’ popularity and reputation for close, dramatic action. The addition of an iconic name like Jimmie Johnson draws new attention and may elevate the stakes for regular competitors. This scenario reflects how star drivers can drive storylines and raise the profile of events featuring both up-and-coming talents and established legends.
With his Hall of Fame status and a competitive spirit that has never faded, Johnson’s presence in the Craftsman Truck Series is expected to draw both long-time fans and newcomers. The event also signifies an important bridge between NASCAR’s storied history and its rapidly evolving present.
NASCAR’s Rule Changes Spark Controversy Around Daytona 500 Entry
While anticipation for Johnson’s Truck Series involvement runs high, his parallel entry into the 2026 Daytona 500 has sparked considerable debate and fan backlash due to recent NASCAR rule modifications. Johnson will enter the 500 through the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), a new rule designed to ensure star drivers racing with non-chartered teams can participate in flagship events even if they do not qualify by speed.
Legacy Motor Club successfully secured the OEP for Johnson’s No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet, expanding the field to 41 cars and guaranteeing Johnson a spot without the opportunity to earn championship points or purse money. The OEP debuted prior to the 2025 season and was refined in March 2025, intended to maintain the prestige of races like the Daytona 500 by including legendary drivers. Motorsport reporter Bob Pockrass offered further details:
“Legacy applied for and has been granted the ‘open exemption provisional’ … so Johnson is guaranteed a spot and field will be 41 cars. Johnson won’t get the purse $.”
— Bob Pockrass, Reporter
Mixed Fan Reactions to New Entry Rules
The shift to the OEP system has been met with considerable skepticism from some fans, who argue that the expanded field and advantages given to superstar drivers undermine the traditional merit-based approach to race qualification. Online commentary has illustrated a broad range of reactions, as supporters and critics alike voiced their concerns about what the change means for competition and fairness.
One fan expressed disappointment, stating:
“I’m a Jimmie Johnson fan, and I think this rule is so stupid. Race your way in or don’t race at all,”
— Unattributed Fan
Others recalled NASCAR’s larger traditional fields and questioned the decision to move away from older formats:
“Why can’t we do 43 like it’s been for many years?”
— Unattributed Fan
This controversy spotlights the ongoing tension between drawing major talent for marquee events and upholding the integrity of the qualifying process—a debate that is likely to continue as NASCAR fine-tunes its path for the modern era.
What Johnson’s Return Means for NASCAR and Fans
The Jimmie Johnson Truck Series return represents not just a nostalgic comeback but a pivotal moment for NASCAR’s experiments with event formats and star power. Johnson’s local roots in El Cajon enhance the race’s personal resonance, and his dedicated following could generate increased viewership and energy for the San Diego event on the Navy base’s street course.
At the same time, reaction to the Daytona field expansion underlines the complexities NASCAR faces in balancing prestige and sporting merit as it adapts to changing audiences and industry needs. Fans, drivers, and teams alike will be watching closely to see if this blend of heritage and innovation delivers a stronger sport or leads to more heated criticism.
As Johnson prepares to make history both on the streets of San Diego and the high banks of Daytona, the racing world is left to anticipate whether his return will signal a broader revitalization for the Truck Series or simply underline how much NASCAR has changed since his last outing in a truck nearly two decades ago.
Jimmie Johnson will drive the No. 1 truck for Tricon Garage in the inaugural event at San Diego in June. It'll be his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2008.
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) January 8, 2026
