Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and a legend of the sport, revealed on February 14 that next year’s Daytona 500 will serve as his final NASCAR Cup Series race. This announcement marks the end of an era for Johnson, whose storied career includes two Daytona 500 victories, and brings the Jimmie Johnson NASCAR farewell race into sharp focus for fans and competitors alike.
Legacy Motor Club and Johnson’s Transition to Part-Time Racing
After concluding his full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign in 2020, Johnson teamed up with fellow racing icon Richard Petty to establish Legacy Motor Club in 2022. Beginning in 2023, Johnson took on a part-time racing schedule with the team, continuing to make select appearances on the circuit. This Sunday, he is set for his fifteenth start with LMC, driving the #84 Toyota in the Daytona 500, underscoring his continued commitment to the team and the sport.
Johnson Chooses Daytona as the Ultimate Farewell Venue
During a press conference on Saturday morning, Johnson addressed the reasons behind his decision to make Daytona his final race as a NASCAR driver, speaking directly to the challenges and opportunities presented by the NextGen car and specific race tracks.
“This car is so different than any generation of car I’ve driven before. To show up at Kansas and think that you’re going to have a shot to win, even when I ran a nine-race schedule, it’s just not a true fit that can really be seen or realized. Daytona, you can. Talladega, you can. Atlanta, for sure,”
Johnson added.—Jimmie Johnson, Cup Series Driver
Johnson plans to compete as a fourth entry for LMC in the next Daytona 500, running as an open team while the main organization fields three chartered entries. With a pair of previous Daytona 500 wins, achieved in 2006 and 2013, Johnson views another potential victory at the event known as The Great American Race as the ideal closing chapter to his Hall of Fame career.
“To have my last race at an event where I can truly win it can be that cool walk-off home run,”
Johnson said.—Jimmie Johnson, Cup Series Driver
Turning the Page on Competing in Other Motorsports
Beyond closing out his NASCAR driving career, Johnson also confirmed he is not planning to race in other top-tier events such as IndyCar. As the current driver of the #84 car and a foundational member of LMC, Johnson stated his priority is to support the growth of the team, noting a shift in his drive and competitive spirit over time.
Reflecting on the passage of years since his debut with Hendrick Motorsports in the #48 Chevrolet, Johnson recalled entering the sport full of energy and ambition, eager to perform at the highest level. Over time, however, he saw this intensity begin to wane, especially during the closing stages of his full-time Cup career.
“I don’t have that passion for that part of life anymore, and that’s been a tough thing to kind of accept. If I’m honest with myself, maybe the last year or two of driving, I was in that phase, but I had the best seat in the house. I was driving for the best team. I was almost in denial of maybe what was going on,”
Johnson said.—Jimmie Johnson, Cup Series Driver
Honoring a Record-Breaking NASCAR Career
The Daytona 500 farewell will celebrate one of NASCAR’s most decorated figures. Johnson’s accolades include tying the record for Cup Series championships with seven titles, featuring an unmatched streak of five consecutive victories between 2006 and 2010. As the end of his on-track journey approaches, the upcoming farewell at Daytona promises to be a powerful and emotional moment for the sport, his fans, and the entire NASCAR community.
In one year, Jimmie Johnson will make the final NASCAR Cup Series start of his career. The 2027 Daytona 500 will be his last ride.
He still has Daytona tomorrow and the San Diego race this year as well.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 14, 2026
Jimmie Johnson on why Daytona for his final Cup race — the 2027 Daytona 500 — and why INDYCAR also is off the table. @NASCARONFOX @IndyCarOnFOX pic.twitter.com/tHeDABKwg0
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 14, 2026
