Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has revealed he will end his racing career at the 2027 Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, finalizing his Jimmie Johnson NASCAR retirement plans. The confirmation arrives as Johnson prepares for the 2026 Daytona 500, marking the last year of a legendary journey that saw him transition from full-time racing to a focus on ownership and leadership.
Johnson’s Transition from Full-Time Racer to Team Leader
After stepping away from full-time competition following the 2020 season, Johnson became involved part-time with Legacy Motor Club, investing energy into racing select events and supporting the growth of the organization as both team owner and ambassador. Over the past few years, Johnson made three appearances in the Cup Series in 2023, nine in 2024, and two in 2025, mostly piloting the No. 84 entry as a way to highlight Legacy Motor Club’s expansion.
Johnson made his intentions public a year before his last planned Cup start, sharing his plans on X and through media outlets. Kelly Crandall of The Racer confirmed Johnson’s long-term vision about the end of his full-time driving and his increased focus on building the team’s competitive foundation.
“Jimmie Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start in the 2007 Daytona 500. “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, Team Owner and Champion
Now backed by majority ownership with Knighthead Capital Management, Johnson’s role at Legacy Motor Club extends well beyond that of a driver. He is instrumental in determining the team’s direction, overseeing infrastructure growth, and developing long-term goals, all of which influenced his choice to make his Jimmie Johnson NASCAR retirement plans clear.
Legacy Motor Club’s Expansion and Future Plans
Currently, Legacy Motor Club fields two full-time Toyota entries: Erik Jones in the No. 43 car and John Hunter Nemechek in the No. 42. The team will expand further by adding a full-time entry in 2027, after successfully acquiring a charter from Rick Ware Racing through a legal victory in 2025. Johnson is expected to make limited appearances in a part-time fourth car, though whether he will continue with the No. 84 remains undecided.
Amid these changes, Johnson’s 2026 schedule remains demanding. He is scheduled to use the Open Exemption Provisional to enter the Daytona 500, participate in a Truck Series race in San Diego for Tricon Garage, and contest another Cup race that same weekend in his hometown of El Cajon. As his responsibilities as a leading team executive increase, Johnson has decided 2027 will mark the end of his Cup driving career, following one last symbolic Daytona 500 start.
Highlights of Johnson’s Celebrated Career
Jimmie Johnson’s impact on NASCAR spans over two decades. With 83 wins amassed across 700 Cup Series starts, he will enter the 2027 Daytona 500 with 703 races at the top level. Inducted into the Hall of Fame, Johnson’s legacy stretches beyond victories; he is recognized for his contributions as a racer, mentor, and now for shaping the path of Legacy Motor Club.
Team Dynamics and Mindset Ahead of the Next Daytona 500
Preparations are underway for Johnson’s penultimate Daytona 500, where he will start 31st in the No. 84 Carvana Toyota at Daytona International Speedway. His practice pace has been encouraging, contributing to a positive outlook among team members. Teammate Erik Jones emphasized Johnson’s leadership and selflessness as the field gets ready for NASCAR’s premier race.
“I think he would do whatever would be best for Legacy, right?” Jones said via a team statement. “It’s his team, and I know Jimmie’s a competitor and wants to win another 500 as much as anybody in the field.” — Erik Jones, Teammate
“But I think if he’s in a situation where he’d be putting at risk that none of the Legacy cars won the race, I think he’s going to take the option that one of us is going to win the race, and if that means it’s me or John Hunter Nemechek, I think that’s the choice he’s going to make,” he added. — Erik Jones, Teammate
Johnson heads into the event as a respected leader, twice a Daytona 500 winner, and a third-place finisher in the previous year, giving Legacy Motor Club confidence despite starting deep in the pack. The upcoming 68th Daytona 500 is scheduled to take place on February 15, broadcast live on FOX at 2:30 PM ET.
The Road Ahead for Johnson and Legacy Motor Club
Jimmie Johnson’s choice to conclude his NASCAR racing journey accentuates his commitment to Legacy Motor Club and signals a new era where leadership and team-building are his core priorities. As he prepares for his final laps in the Cup Series, his dual focus on performance and organizational growth is poised to influence the next wave of success for both himself and his team. Racing fans will look forward to his remaining appearances on the track and his evolving role in shaping NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
