Jimmie Johnson Isn’t Retiring—He’s Choosing His Finish Line

PXL_20260214_143017189 — (Photo: Greg Engle, CupScene.com)

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced Saturday morning at Daytona International Speedway that he will make his final Cup start in the 2027 DAYTONA 500.

The 83-race winner and two-time DAYTONA 500 champion will take his 23rd green flag in The Great American Race on Sunday (1:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) driving the No. 84 Toyota for the Legacy Motor Club team that he owns.

Daytona seemed like an appropriate place to announce his departure, as it has played a big role in his NASCAR Hall of Fame career. He won the first pole position of his career in his first DAYTONA 500 start in 2002 and went on to win the storied race twice, in 2006 and 2013.

His five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series titles between 2006-2010 comprise a streak that is unmatched and likely never to be equaled.

Since retiring from full-time competition following the 2020 season, Johnson has made 13 assorted starts and is slated to race in the inaugural race on June 21 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, just miles from his hometown El Cajon, Calif.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity that’s been granted to me through my career,” Johnson said Saturday morning at Daytona ”I didn’t use the word retirement way back when in 2020. I still love to compete and want to be on the track and racing.

“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.

“It doesn’t mean I’m not going to race and do other fun things. As you guys know, I’ve got plenty planned this year and hope to have some more fun later in the year as well, but a quick start to the year with this race. … just trying to find, you know, fun bucket list things to do.”