Jimmie Johnson NASCAR Truck Series participation will become a reality once again as Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time Cup Series champion, is set to compete in the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage during NASCAR’s upcoming street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. Johnson, who last raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series more than 17 years ago, will also take on double duty, running in both the Cup Series and the Truck Series that race weekend, with sponsorship from Carvana.
Johnson’s Return to the Truck Series After a Long Hiatus
Despite a legendary career in NASCAR’s top division, where he earned over 700 Cup Series starts, 83 race wins, and seven titles, Johnson’s experience in the Truck Series is extremely limited. His only previous Truck Series race was in 2008 at Bristol Motor Speedway. On that occasion, he began ninth, took the lead for 29 laps, but was knocked out by a crash and finished 34th.
Johnson, a native of California, shared his excitement for returning to his roots by racing in San Diego. He will be racing at a venue he connects with personally, highlighting the unique nature of a street race at a historic Navy location in his home state. The upcoming event marks a meaningful comeback in a series where Johnson’s appearances have been rare.
Emotional Homecoming and Military Tribute
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me – it’s home,”
said Johnson.
“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, Driver
This opportunity comes with added significance for Johnson, who emphasized both his connection to the city and the symbolic value of competing at a race held on a military base. He credited TRICON Garage and Carvana for giving him the chance to be part of this historic race while expressing appreciation for being able to pay tribute to military personnel based there.
Continued NASCAR Activity and Future Plans
Since his retirement from full-time NASCAR racing at the end of the 2020 season, Johnson has chosen a part-time approach, making selective appearances in premier NASCAR events. His next scheduled entry is at the 2026 Daytona 500, where he is guaranteed a spot thanks to the Open Exemption Provisional, marking his 23rd start in NASCAR’s most celebrated race.
Johnson’s return to the NASCAR Truck Series, combined with his ongoing Cup Series activities, demonstrates his continued passion for the sport and his ability to draw attention to both established and new racing events. With strong partnerships from Tricon Garage and Carvana, Johnson brings additional excitement to a one-of-a-kind race in a city that means a great deal to him, promising fans a memorable weekend as the Cup and Truck Series converge in San Diego.
