Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, revealed plans to make the 2027 Daytona 500 his last appearance at stock car racing’s top level. This announcement, which comes just before the 68th running of “The Great American Race,” marks the final chapter of his driving career in the cup series and underscores his dedication to Legacy Motor Club, where he is majority owner. Johnson’s decision punctuates a career rich with victories, titles, and defining moments, placing the focus keyword, “Jimmie Johnson final Daytona 500,” firmly at the center of this milestone event in Daytona.
Reflections on a Legendary Racing Career
Johnson, who has achieved far more than he ever imagined, shared his gratitude and offered insight into the reasons for his choice.
“I’ve been fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport,”
Jimmie Johnson, two-time Daytona 500 champion and recent third-place finisher in the 2025 season opener, stated.
“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. I am going to focus all of my energy on leading and building a world-class organization.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
This vision for the future is rooted in Johnson’s desire to transition his competitive passion to the ownership and advancement of Legacy Motor Club as he steps away from full-time driving.
Making Way for the Next Chapter with Legacy Motor Club
Johnson elaborated on his focus as he prepares for his final Daytona race:
“Ending a chapter to focus on building a world class organization in @LEGACYMotorClub. Next February, I’ll make my final start in the Cup Series in Daytona.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
He will continue to participate in select racing events, including other NASCAR national series races and appearances in his hometown of San Diego, but will not return to full-time competition in the Cup Series following his 2027 farewell at Daytona.
Johnson, now 50, owns a majority stake in Legacy Motor Club, which currently supports full-time Cup rides for both Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. In addition to his 2027 Daytona 500 appearance, Johnson has scheduled two further national series races this year: one in the Truck Series and one Cup Series event in El Cajon, close to where he grew up.
Legacy Motor Club and Changes Ahead
As Johnson prepares for his 23rd Daytona 500 start, he will take the wheel in the No. 84 entry, which will become the team’s third full-time car in 2027. This expansion follows Legacy Motor Club’s acquisition of a third charter from Rick Ware Racing, a deal finalized before a key lawsuit settlement significantly increased charter values throughout NASCAR.
While the car number Johnson will drive in 2027 remains undecided, this move departs from his established record racing under No. 48. His upcoming and final drive at Daytona will signal the official end of an era for one of NASCAR’s most enduring champions.
Highlights and Turning Points in Johnson’s Career
Johnson made a significant career move when he left powerhouse organization Hendrick Motorsports after the 2020 season, stepping away following a split with long-time crew chief Chad Knaus. Over his Cup career, he earned 83 victories and matched the record for seven series championships across 19 seasons, becoming a defining figure in the sport.
This period allowed Johnson more family time and led him to pursue a more flexible racing schedule, including two seasons in the IndyCar Series (2021-2022), partial ownership with Legacy, and bucket list race entries like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He claimed Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year honors in 2022, further demonstrating his skill across multiple forms of racing.
Johnson considers the Daytona 500 a career-making event.
“It’s the only race you get a title,”
Johnson said earlier this week.
“I was fortunate to experience that. You leave here and anything you do, you got a title. I never had a title in my life. That speaks to the importance of the race, the magnitude of the race, the history behind it all.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
“You get a title and you get reminded of it every time you’re introduced.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
Pivotal Moments and Team Challenges
Johnson’s first Daytona 500 win served as a launchpad for a streak of five consecutive championships, coinciding with an era that featured fierce competition from drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart. That victory was marked by adversity, as crew chief Chad Knaus was suspended for an illegal car adjustment.
Reflecting on that period of his career, Johnson noted the personal and professional growth it demanded.
“A lot of growth took place in that offseason,”
said Johnson, who had come in fifth place in the 2005 season standings.
“In theory, we bought into what we wanted to be. And then with Chad being sent home, ‘Shoot, now we got to live it.’”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
He expanded on how the incident changed the team dynamic:
“It really was that fortifying moment (for) us. It forced a lot of us to step up instead of just looking at Chad and saying, ‘All right, man, fix it.’ We all had so much more responsibility and skin in the game. We became a more efficient, effective, stronger team as a result. When I look back, that winter and then him being suspended were the most pivotal moment in the 48 team.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
Looking Back Two Decades Later
Twenty years since that defining offseason, the milestone continues to resonate for Johnson.
“How has it been that long?”
Johnson asked himself, reflecting on his lengthy career. – Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
“I don’t think I’m any more mature. I certainly have a lot more gray. It’s just wild how fast time goes by.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver & Legacy Motor Club Majority Owner
His sentiments capture not only the passage of time but also the transformative impact of the sport on his life and those around him, including his colleagues at Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and the broader NASCAR community.
Legacy and Influence Beyond the Track
Jimmie Johnson’s influence extends beyond his individual accomplishments, as he transitions to a focus on building a world-class racing organization and mentoring the next generation. His leadership at Legacy Motor Club represents a shift from on-track action to fostering a successful and competitive environment for drivers like Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek.
The legacy of Johnson’s career, especially with victories at iconic events like the Daytona 500 and endurance races globally, continues to inspire fans and competitors alike. His planned exit from full-time racing marks not just the end of a personal era, but the beginning of a new phase for Legacy Motor Club and for NASCAR itself, as seasoned champions invest in the future of the sport.
Anticipating a Historic Farewell at Daytona
As Jimmie Johnson prepares for his final Daytona 500 drive in 2027, the motorsports world awaits an emotional and meaningful celebration of one of NASCAR’s true greats. The event promises to honor his storied career, the partnerships he forged with figures such as Chad Knaus, and his devoted fan base, while shining a spotlight on the transition from racing legend to dedicated team leader and mentor. Johnson’s last lap at Daytona will truly be the end of one racing chapter and the start of another in the evolving history of the sport.
Ending a chapter to focus on building a world class organization in @LEGACYMotorClub. Next February, I’ll make my final start in the Cup Series in Daytona. pic.twitter.com/XCXNWm4PS8
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 14, 2026
