Jimmie Johnson, the celebrated seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer, offered his perspective on NASCAR’s decision to revert to the Chase-style championship format beginning in the 2026 season. This change affects all three national NASCAR series and marks a significant shift toward rewarding overall consistency and season-long performance, a philosophy Johnson has championed throughout his career.
NASCAR’s Format Shift and Johnson’s Reflections
The new Chase-style postseason, announced at the NASCAR Productions Facility on January 12, 2026, will replace the elimination-based playoff system that has governed the Cup Series since 2014 and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series since 2016. Under this revised format, drivers will accumulate points across the season, placing greater emphasis on both consistency and victories, rather than solely focusing on a single winner-takes-all finale.
Jimmie Johnson, now the owner of Legacy Motor Club, reflected on the significance of this shift, noting the enduring value of building momentum throughout the racing calendar.
“It’s more about trying to win the war instead of the battle. Something that feels good and familiar about this point system and bringing back a championship that does reward consistency. We are trying to build that consistency within our team, within our performance on a weekly basis.”
– Jimmie Johnson, Owner and Seven-Time Cup Series Champion
For both teams and drivers, including notable names like Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, and Tyler Reddick, the move offers a return to a format that many in the NASCAR community remember fondly, with hopes that it will encourage a more balanced, season-spanning competition for the title.
Legacy Motor Club’s 2026 Strategy and Leadership Changes
The coming season will also see notable changes at Legacy Motor Club, where Erik Jones, who drives the No. 43 Toyota, is set to work with a new crew chief following Ben Beshore’s transition to a different position within the organization. In his place, Justin Alexander, previously a crew chief for Richard Childress Racing with experience guiding both Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick, will take the reins. The team aims to adapt quickly to the new championship structure, focusing on weekly performance improvements and overall team cohesion.
Johnson’s Return to the Craftsman Truck Series in San Diego
In addition to shaping his team’s strategy, Jimmie Johnson is also returning to competition himself. He will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage in the inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. This will be Johnson’s first start in the series since 2008, and he is eager for the homecoming.
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me – it’s home,” Jimmie Johnson said in a 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.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Hall of Famer
“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,” he added.
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Hall of Famer
The race, supported by Carvana—Johnson’s longtime sponsor and a partner at Legacy Motor Club—offers Johnson both a competitive and personal milestone in the city where he began his racing career.
Preparing for the Daytona 500 and Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, Johnson is preparing to enter as the 41st car under NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional. His participation in this iconic event, along with his ongoing involvement as a team owner, keeps him firmly enmeshed in the evolving landscape of the Cup Series. Fans will be able to tune in to the live broadcast on FOX or follow updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The return to the Chase-style postseason aims to shape the future of the NASCAR championship, restoring focus on consistent performance while offering drivers like Jimmie Johnson new ways to leave their mark on the sport. As teams adapt to these changes, the 2026 season promises renewed excitement and a celebration of racing heritage for competitors and fans alike.
Consistency is key in The Chase. pic.twitter.com/14rzVNEf7r
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 13, 2026
