On May 25, Jimmie Johnson marked a remarkable achievement by making his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a venue deeply tied to his career. The legendary seven-time champion celebrated this major milestone at the very track where he launched his Cup journey back in 2001, adding a personal and emotional layer to the occasion.
Despite the milestone, Johnson’s day ended prematurely due to an early crash, which resulted in a last-place finish. Nevertheless, the significance of reaching 700 starts, particularly at Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend, remained a meaningful highlight for the Hall of Famer.
Coming to Terms with the 700th Start Milestone
Johnson revealed his surprise at how quickly he approached this benchmark during a recent podcast discussion with Steve Letarte on Inside the Race. He admitted he only realized the milestone was near while preparing for the race at Daytona the week before Charlotte.
What was wild is I didn’t realize that I was coming up to this moment until we’re, like, literally going to Daytona for my 699th start,
Johnson said.
I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s around the corner.’
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver
When asked if the media buzz was greater than his own awareness, Johnson, known for his affinity with numbers, expressed a deep personal pride in reaching such a significant figure.
Yeah, no, the number is massive. And you know me, I’m a numbers guy. Number seven holds a special spot in my heart, and to have 700—so yeah,
Johnson said.
Marking this milestone at Charlotte was especially important because it tied back to the place where Johnson first competed in the Cup Series on October 7, 2001. The symmetry of starting and now reaching 700 races at the same track gave the moment added emotional weight.
To reach my 700th start at the very race and track where my Cup career began makes this moment incredibly special,
Johnson said before the race.
It’s a full-circle journey, and to share it with fans on Memorial Day weekend while honoring a fallen service member adds even more meaning.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver
With this achievement, Johnson joined an elite group, becoming just the 21st driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to reach 700 starts.
The Special Weekend Beyond Racing
The milestone celebration extended beyond Charlotte. Earlier on race day, Johnson was at the Indianapolis 500, offering NFL icon Tom Brady a thrilling ride in a two-seater racecar. This crossover event showcased Johnson’s role in promoting motorsports across disciplines.
It was a very, very special weekend to be able to celebrate 700 and also go to the Indianapolis 500, give Tom Brady a ride in a two-seat car, and help continue to promote motorsports—both IndyCar and NASCAR,
Johnson shared.
And my 700th start, it was a great weekend.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver
Reflecting on the Early Crash and Lessons Learned
The race itself, however, did not unfold as Johnson had hoped. Driving the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, he started in 17th position but spun out on Lap 112 in Turn 4. This caused a multi-car incident that ended his race abruptly with a 40th-place finish.
Johnson openly accepted responsibility for the mishap, attributing the mistake to unfamiliar traffic dynamics with his current car.
I just made a rookie mistake … the traffic situations are just different with this car,
he explained on NASCAR on Prime Video.
My instincts—I kind of reacted in a way that I shouldn’t have. And by the time I realized it, it was too late,
Johnson added.
I wish I was still out there.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver
Despite his early exit, Johnson remained optimistic and focused on the overall weekend. As a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, he took encouragement from his team’s continued competitiveness after his departure from the race.
Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Johnson’s 700th NASCAR Cup Series start symbolizes not only his longevity but also his enduring passion for racing and his evolving role in the sport. Achieving this milestone at Charlotte Motor Speedway brings a powerful sense of closure and renewal as he looks toward future seasons both on and off the track.
This event reaffirms Johnson’s stature as a celebrated figure in NASCAR history, inspiring fans and competitors alike with his dedication, reflective mindset, and willingness to adapt amid challenges. As co-owner of Legacy Motor Club and an ambassador for motorsports, Johnson is poised to continue shaping the sport’s future in meaningful ways.
