Jimmie Johnson has announced that his last appearance as a driver in the Cup Series will be during the 2027 Daytona 500, choosing the legendary race for his farewell event. The decision marks a significant milestone for Johnson, as he shifts his focus toward growing Legacy Motor Club while continuing his extensive involvement in motorsport.
Choosing Daytona for a Memorable Finale
Johnson selected the Daytona 500 as his final Cup Series race due to its reputation as a race where drivers, regardless of part-time status, can remain competitive. The seven-time champion said the nature of restrictor plate tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta provides a unique level of opportunity for any skilled driver to contend for the win, making it the ideal stage for his last run as a Cup Series competitor.
“I think as a driver that moonlights, the restrictor plate-tracks or that style of tracks is where you can be the most competitive,”
Johnson said on Saturday morning at Daytona.
“This car is so different than any generation of car I’ve driven before.”
He continued, expressing the competitive chance Daytona offers:
“So, I want to show them being competitive, and to have my last race in an event where I could truly win. It could be that cool walk off home run.”
Johnson’s history at Daytona supports this choice, with three wins at Daytona International Speedway, including two Daytona 500 victories.
Transition from Full-Time Racing to Team Leadership
Following his full-time Cup Series career, which concluded in 2020 with Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson transitioned into team ownership. After racing in the NTT IndyCar Series for two years, he returned to NASCAR as co-owner and then majority owner of Legacy Motor Club. Since then, Johnson balanced select Cup Series starts with his managerial responsibilities, making three starts in 2023, nine in 2024, and two in 2025, with a highlight of a third-place finish in the Daytona 500.
This year, Johnson only plans to compete in two Cup Series races: the Daytona 500 and the inaugural San Diego street race in June. Additionally, he is scheduled to participate in a NASCAR Truck Series event in Southern California.
Building Legacy Motor Club and Looking Ahead
With his final Cup Series start on the horizon, Johnson has emphasized his dedication to advancing Legacy Motor Club as a premier NASCAR organization. He shared his motivation, stating,
“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.
Keeping Competitive Spirit Alive Beyond Cup Racing
While the 2027 Daytona 500 will mark his last Cup Series outing as a driver, Johnson made clear that he does not consider this a full retirement from racing.
“I didn’t use the word retirement way back when in 2020,”
the seven-time champion said.
“I still love to compete and want to be on the track and racing.”
He went on to explain,
“The journey as an owner, and certainly where I am in life right now, to compete at the Cup level, week in and week out, is just a door that’s shutting from here now. I’ll be able to enjoy it a bit more this year with the race this weekend and getting in San Diego, and then put a bow on everything, Cup wise, when we come back in ’27.”
Johnson looks forward to new motorsport adventures, with potential entries in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and even a land speed record attempt at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, if the right opportunities arise. He has previously declined a chance to race the 2025 Rolex 24 but wants to keep diverse options open, possibly with backing from Toyota or Carvana.
Enduring Impact of an Iconic Career
Jimmie Johnson’s choice to conclude his Cup Series driving career at the Daytona 500 underscores his competitive legacy and his ongoing commitment to the sport as an owner and ambassador. As he closes his driving chapter, fans and competitors alike will anticipate his continued influence in NASCAR and his pursuit of new challenges in motorsport arenas worldwide.
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
