Jimmie Johnson is set for a remarkable return to the NASCAR Truck Series as part of his selective 2026 comeback, with plans to compete at San Diego’s unique street race in June. The seven-time Cup Series champion will drive for Tricon Garage in the Craftsman Truck Series at Naval Base Coronado and later take on the Cup Series race later that weekend, placing the spotlight on the Jimmie Johnson NASCAR Truck Series narrative once again.
Johnson’s Two-Series Homecoming in San Diego
In a special nod to his roots, Johnson’s 2026 schedule in San Diego spans participation in both the Truck and Cup divisions. He will represent Legacy Motor Club during the Cup Series showdown at Coronado, while Tricon Garage will field his Truck Series entry on June 19. For Johnson, a native of El Cajon located just 20 miles from the base, this return means more than just another race.
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me. It’s home,”
Johnson said in a NASCAR statement.
“Getting behind the wheel of a Truck Series entry has been on my mind for a while. The competition is incredible, and doing it at a historic street race on a Navy base in my hometown? That’s special. I’m grateful to Tricon and Carvana for making this happen, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to honor our military and celebrate where I’m from.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Champion NASCAR Driver
A Rare Return to the Truck Series
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Johnson rarely shifted between NASCAR’s national circuits, dedicating nearly all his efforts to amassing seven premier Cup Series titles and racking up 83 wins—making him the most decorated driver of the modern era. His time in the Truck Series is limited to a single start at Bristol Motor Speedway for Randy Moss Motorsports in 2008, making his San Diego appearance only his second ever at this level.
Johnson is slated to race the Cup event in his No. 84 entry for Legacy Motor Club, marking a rare occurrence where he will pull double-duty in his home region. As part of his selective schedule, Johnson will also participate in the 2026 Daytona 500, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to racing milestone events.
San Diego’s Track to Become a Spectacle
This year’s San Diego street race will cut through Naval Base Coronado, using a course that measures 3.4 miles and features 16 turns. The unique styling combines established roads with stretches of open tarmac, taking the race past active military vessels, including aircraft carriers, in celebration of the US Navy’s 250th anniversary on the June 21 weekend.
Since stepping away from full-time competition in 2020, Johnson, now 50, has embarked on limited schedules. His part-time campaign last year included the Coca-Cola 600 and Daytona 500, where he captured a notable third-place finish, confirming that his competitive edge remains intact.
Special Daytona 500 Entry Secured Through New Provisional Rule
Johnson’s 2026 racing plans begin at the Daytona 500, where he’ll pilot the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club as a non-chartered participant. Typically, the Daytona 500 limits its grid to 40 cars, reserving 36 spots for chartered teams and granting the remaining places to drivers who succeed in qualifying and the Duel races.
This season, the rules provide a crucial change: Johnson will make use of NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional, a recently instituted regulation giving decorated racers guaranteed grid spots as a 41st car if the number of entries allows. Last year, Trackhouse Racing employed this provisional for Hélio Castroneves’s Daytona 500 debut, setting the precedent for star drivers. Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, now benefits from the expanded field, locking him into the race regardless of qualifying performance.
Legacy of Legends Continues On and Off the Track
The emotional weight of Johnson’s San Diego entry extends beyond his personal ambitions. With the race circuit weaving through landmarks and commemorating the Navy’s long-standing history, Johnson’s participation is a source of pride for both the local community and the motorsports world. His unique double-duty schedule, paired with the honor of a Daytona 500 start via the Open Exemption Provisional, underscores his enduring prominence and the respect he commands across NASCAR’s top teams, including Tricon Garage and Legacy Motor Club.
With racing fans eager to see a champion take on new challenges, Johnson’s upcoming season promises to bring heightened excitement to both the Cup and Jimmie Johnson NASCAR Truck Series storylines, while also paying tribute to his hometown and the military anniversary that frames this memorable return.
