Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has announced that he will retire from racing after the 2027 Daytona 500, confirming his complete departure from the sport. Ahead of the 2026 season, Johnson made clear that he plans to compete in one more full season, including another appearance at Daytona before ending his driving career.
Johnson’s Plans for Continued Competition Before Retirement
Johnson, who has returned to NASCAR as a part-time driver and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club following a two-year break competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, will race in the upcoming Daytona 500 this Sunday for the 23rd time. This race marks his fourth since his return in 2023. He qualified 31st by securing the Open Exemption Provisional spot in the 41-car field. Known for his two victories at Daytona, Johnson remains competitive as he approaches the final phase of his racing career.
Final Cup Series Appearance Scheduled for 2027
Confirming his future schedule, Johnson revealed that he aims to race again at the 2027 Daytona 500, which is set for Sunday, February 21, 2027, and this event will be his final NASCAR start. This plan depends on him receiving the same Open Exemption Provisional status that allows part-time competitors to enter the race. After that event, he has committed to no further Cup Series races, signaling a clear end to his driving tenure.
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, NASCAR Driver and Co-owner
Speculation and Confirmation About His Race Schedule
There had been rumors that Johnson might retire soon after the 2025 season, particularly because he had announced participation in only two major races that year: the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Those two events would have marked his career total at precisely 700 starts. However, he dispelled those assumptions by confirming his entry in the inaugural street race at the Coronado Street Course on Naval Base Coronado near his hometown of El Cajon, California, in June 2026.
The proximity of this street race to his hometown fueled speculation he might end his driving career afterward, but Johnson’s plans for the 2026 Daytona 500 contradicted this theory, as that event will still be part of his schedule. He has not yet officially included the Coca-Cola 600 in his 2026 season, despite regularly competing there since his return.
Transitioning Focus to Team Ownership
Rather than continuing long-term as a driver, Johnson intends to shift his full attention to his role as a team owner within NASCAR. This strategic change reflects his commitment to building Legacy Motor Club into a high-performing organization in the sport, leveraging his experience and status to shape the team’s future success.
Motorsport fans can watch Johnson race this Sunday at the 68th Daytona 500, which Fox will broadcast live at 1:30 p.m. ET after a delayed start time due to anticipated weather, offering an opportunity to witness one of NASCAR’s most iconic competitors in one of his final headline appearances.
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
