Jimmie Johnson revealed on Saturday that he will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 Daytona 500, marking the end of a storied career at one of the sport’s biggest events. This announcement was made during an appearance on ESPN’s Marty & McGee, and later confirmed by his racing team, Legacy Motor Club. Mentioning the Jimmie Johnson final NASCAR race, Johnson emphasized his intention to transition into a full-time focus on team ownership and development within the organization.
Johnson Names the 2027 Daytona 500 as His Swan Song
The announcement came as Johnson addressed the racing community, noting that his last appearance behind the wheel in the Cup Series will be at Daytona next February. Johnson, who is celebrated as a two-time Daytona 500 champion and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, explained his reasoning, stating,
Next February, I’ll make my final start in the Cup Series at Daytona,
– Jimmie Johnson, two-time Daytona 500 champion. His decision signals a closure to a career that began in 2001 and spanned over two decades in the top tier of NASCAR, primarily racing with Hendrick Motorsports where he drove the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet to 83 race victories and seven championship titles.
Moving Toward Team Leadership at Legacy Motor Club
During the announcement, Johnson shared his deep appreciation for his journey in racing and outlined his next chapter. He remarked,
I’ve been very fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport. The last six years have given me the freedom to choose where I compete and more importantly, the clarity to understand where I’m needed most. It’s time to focus my energy on building a world class and unrivaled organization in Legacy Motor Club.
– Jimmie Johnson. As the owner of Legacy Motor Club, Johnson’s future efforts will center on innovating and expanding the team, which recently transitioned to Toyota and aims to add a third team, potentially as soon as 2027.
Potential for Other Racing Ventures Beyond NASCAR Cup Series
While Johnson specified that the 2027 Daytona 500 will conclude his Cup Series driving, he left the door open for occasional starts in other racing divisions. Johnson’s recent years have included a full season in the NTT INDYCAR Series, where he achieved top rookie honors at the Indianapolis 500 in 2022, as well as a part-time return to the NASCAR Cup Series with his newly established team. Reflecting on his evolving responsibilities, he said,
As a team owner, I need to be on the sidelines on race day supporting our drivers and crews on the competition side and cultivating relationships that are crucial to the long-term growth of the Club,
– Jimmie Johnson. He also emphasized fan appreciation, stating,
I also want to take the time to celebrate with fans throughout the season to show how grateful I am for their support throughout my career.
– Jimmie Johnson.
Legacy of Triumphs and Challenges
Johnson’s earlier departure from full-time Cup racing came in 2020, but pandemic restrictions at the time delayed a comprehensive celebration of his accomplishments, which include induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In the years following, Johnson sought new challenges in the INDYCAR arena before returning to lead Legacy Motor Club, initially in partnership with fellow champion Richard Petty. Though he has not yet secured his 84th Cup victory, Johnson achieved a top-five finish at the 2025 Daytona 500, underscoring his enduring competitiveness and drive.
Impact on the Sport and Fellow Competitors
Johnson’s final race is poised to be a historic moment, not just for him but for NASCAR as a whole. The 2027 Daytona 500 is also anticipated to mark the last race for another superstar, Denny Hamlin, making it a memorable send-off for two icons with massive influence on the past 25 years of the sport. This year, Hamlin and Johnson qualified in 22nd and 31st positions, respectively, for the Daytona 500, illustrating their continued commitment to competing at the highest levels.
Industry Reactions and Looking Ahead at Legacy Motor Club
The racing community has responded with admiration for Johnson’s legacy and anticipation for his future contributions to the sport. Tyler Gibbs, president of TRD U.S.A., praised Johnson’s multifaceted impact, stating,
Jimmie Johnson is a champion in every aspect of his life – with his family, as the leader of Legacy Motor Club and with his incredible success behind the wheel. As he prepares to close the chapter of his iconic on-track NASCAR career, we celebrate his legacy in the sport and look forward to what we’ll continue to achieve together in the years to come.
– Tyler Gibbs, President, TRD U.S.A.
As the date for the Jimmie Johnson final NASCAR race approaches, fans and competitors alike look forward to celebrating not only his numerous achievements but also his ongoing role in shaping the future of Legacy Motor Club and NASCAR itself. Johnson’s legacy as a driver, champion, and now a team leader, signifies both the end of a remarkable era and the beginning of a new chapter for the organization and the broader racing community.
