Jimmie Johnson has officially announced his long-awaited return to the Craftsman Truck Series, adding a major highlight to his selective NASCAR comeback for 2026. The Jimmie Johnson Truck Series return will take place at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado in June, and will coincide with his participation in both the Cup and Truck Series events on what promises to be a historic racing weekend.
Johnson’s San Diego Double Duty Marks a Homecoming
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will race in the Cup Series event for Legacy Motor Club and enter the Truck Series for Tricon Garage, both scheduled for June at the newly introduced San Diego street course. This venue holds special meaning for Johnson, who was raised just 20 miles from Naval Base Coronado in El Cajon. For Johnson, this represents not just another race, but a homecoming with profound personal significance.
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me. It’s home,”
Johnson said in a NASCAR statement.
“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
Johnson stands apart from his peers, having focused almost exclusively on the Cup Series throughout his distinguished career. Collecting seven championships and 83 Cup wins, he never routinely competed across NASCAR’s three main national divisions. His upcoming Truck Series entry marks his second appearance in that tier, the first being a 2008 race at Bristol Motor Speedway with Randy Moss Motorsports.
All eyes will be on Johnson as he returns to his roots, running the No. 84 Cup entry for Legacy Motor Club and taking on a Truck for Tricon Garage, making the San Diego race weekend a unique double-header homecoming for the El Cajon native. He’ll also be on the grid for the 2026 Daytona 500, kicking off what is shaping up to be a remarkable season.
San Diego’s Street Course Brings Racing to a Historic Navy Base
The San Diego street race is set to make waves in motorsport circles, challenging drivers with a 16-turn, 3.4-mile course that weaves through Naval Base Coronado. The combination of permanent roads, broad tarmac lanes, and military surroundings sets the stage for a memorable event, where cars will speed past aircraft carriers and naval vessels as the base hosts fans and teams. The timing coincides with celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, amplifying the event’s significance.
Johnson’s commitment to the competition remains strong, even after retiring from full-time racing in 2020. Since then, he has raced part-time at marquee events, including the Coca-Cola 600 and Daytona 500, notching a third-place finish at Daytona last year even at age 50.
Special Provisional Secures Johnson’s Daytona 500 Entry
The 2026 season opener at the Daytona 500 will provide another milestone for Johnson’s racing journey. Legacy Motor Club has confirmed his participation in the No. 84 Toyota as a non-chartered entry. With NASCAR’s traditional 40-car limit (36 by chartered teams), the remaining drivers must secure a spot via qualifying or the Duel races. However, Johnson’s status as a two-time Daytona 500 champion ensures his place on the starting grid under the NASCAR Open Exemption Provisional system.
This rule, introduced in 2025, makes it possible for high-profile drivers to obtain a guaranteed starting spot as the 41st car if the field is expanded. The system saw its first use when Trackhouse Racing locked in Hélio Castroneves for last year’s Daytona 500 debut. Johnson will use this same path, guaranteeing his return to racing’s most prestigious season opener regardless of the outcomes in qualifying sessions and Duels.
Legacy and Meaning Behind Johnson’s Comeback
Jimmie Johnson’s upcoming Truck Series return is more than just a statistical rarity—it’s a deeply personal moment closing a circle in his celebrated career. For the El Cajon native, appearing at San Diego’s inaugural street race at the Navy base represents pride in his roots, respect for the military community, and a chance to add a new chapter to his NASCAR achievements. With support from Tricon Garage and partners like Carvana, Johnson’s homecoming will bring national attention to NASCAR’s expanding schedule, especially with the unique setting of a Navy base celebrating its milestone anniversary.
With anticipation building for his Truck Series and Cup Series starts in San Diego, and with his entry secured for the Daytona 500, Johnson’s selective return has already generated buzz among NASCAR fans and peers alike. The coming season will showcase a champion still chasing his passion for racing while honoring the place he calls home.
