As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, with the return of the Chase playoff system and anticipation around veterans like Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, long-time fans are eager for both on-track and broadcast nostalgia. These potential comebacks, particularly Jimmie Johnson’s 2026 NASCAR return, have sparked renewed enthusiasm for the sport’s traditions and familiar faces.
Anticipation Builds for the 2026 NASCAR Season
With only weeks remaining before the Daytona 500, NASCAR is entering a year of significant change. For the first time in more than a decade, organizers are discarding the elimination-style playoffs in favor of the classic 10-race Chase format, echoing an earlier era that many associate with high drama and star drivers. This transformation coincides with upcoming events like the season-opening Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, sparking conversations among fans about other possible returns from the sport’s past.
Broadcast Nostalgia: The Digger Discussion
One touchstone of that era is Digger, FOX’s animated groundhog mascot, which became symbolic of the early 2000s broadcasts led by David Hill and Mike Joy. Originally created to highlight in-ground camera shots, Digger eventually featured in cartoon segments and merchandise, becoming a divisive yet memorable character for viewers. Prompted on social media about the groundhog’s possible return, FOX commentator Mike Joy responded,
“It’s a long shot, but I’ve learned to never say ‘never,” he wrote.
The mention of Digger alongside the returns of Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart has tapped into fans’ nostalgia for an era marked by creativity and a family-oriented presentation of the sport.
Veteran Drivers Stepping Back Into the Spotlight
A renewed old-school atmosphere is set for 2026, fueled by top NASCAR names preparing to race again. Thanks to new rules allowing up to eight lower-series appearances per Cup driver, both Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart are confirmed for the Craftsman Truck Series. Johnson, a seven-time champion and El Cajon native, will race for Tricon Garage during the June street event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego—his first Truck appearance since 2008 and debut on a road course within this series. In addition, Johnson is set to compete in the Daytona 500, entering through NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional rule.
Three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is also making headlines with Kaulig Racing‘s new Free Agent Driver Program, which will put him in the No. 25 Ram Trucks entry for the Truck Series opener at Daytona on February 13. His participation reflects the sport’s blending of familiar faces with evolving race formats, creating a unique blend of the old and new that hasn’t been witnessed in NASCAR in years.
Fan Excitement and Reflections from the Community
The resurgence of race veterans and retro broadcast elements has reignited widespread excitement, with hopes for more nods to NASCAR’s vibrant past as the Chase and celebrated drivers return. While fans reminisce about earlier days, the reappearance of Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and perhaps even broadcast icons like Digger signals a shift that bridges generations of spectators and racers alike.
Remembering Greg Biffle and the Impact on NASCAR
Outside of the race discussion, longtime announcer Mike Joy recently addressed the loss of Greg Biffle, the veteran driver who passed away in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Biffle was among seven individuals who lost their lives, a tragedy that prompted an outpouring of emotion from the motorsports community. Joy expressed his feelings, stating,
“In these saddest of days, I’m genuinely uplifted by the tributes, videos and memories shared by our racing community and western North Carolina,” Mike Joy wrote on X. “Learning about the Biffles, the Duttons and Craig, we see how special and how loved they were by so many. Thanks for sharing.”
Investigators are still examining the cause of the accident, and further details about the incident and those on board are anticipated soon.
As NASCAR gears up for this new season, the combination of returning stars, format changes, and heartfelt moments underscores both the evolution of the sport and the enduring connections that bind its community together.
Its a long shot, but I've learned to never say "never". https://t.co/C9Tfl6a4zL
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) January 14, 2026
In these saddest of days, I'm genuinely uplifted by the tributes, videos and memories shared by our racing community and western North Carolina.
Learning about the Biffles, the Duttons and Craig, we see how special and how loved they were by so many. Thanks for sharing.— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) December 19, 2025
