Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will mark his final race in the Cup Series. The announcement was made at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, where Johnson has continued to compete selectively since stepping back from full-time racing.
Johnson, a NASCAR Hall of Famer with 83 Cup victories across 700 starts, has focused on his ownership role at Legacy Motor Club after ending his full-time Cup career in 2020 and exploring a two-year stint in INDYCAR. At 50 years old, he has participated in the Daytona 500 annually since 2023 and is a two-time winner of the event, having claimed victories in 2006 and 2013.
Balancing Ownership and Limited Racing Appearances
Johnson has recently prioritized his responsibilities as the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, aiming to build a competitive, world-class team. Despite his limited number of scheduled races this year, which includes just two Cup events—the Daytona 500 and the upcoming street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego—he remains deeply involved in both the business and competitive sides of NASCAR.
“I’ve been very fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport,”
Johnson said in a news release.
“The last six years have given me the freedom to choose where I compete and more importantly, the clarity to understand where I’m needed most. It’s time to focus my energy on building a world class and unrivaled organization.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado race holds special significance for Johnson, given its proximity to his hometown of El Cajon, California.
Competitive Focus on Restrictor-Plate Style Tracks
Johnson remains focused on appearing competitive in his limited race schedule. After finishing third in last year’s Daytona 500, he highlighted that restrictor-plate style tracks offer the best chance for him to challenge for a win as a part-time driver in a modern Cup car, which behaves very differently from those he previously drove.
“As a driver that moonlights, the restrictor-plate style of tracks is where you can be the most competitive,”
Johnson said in a news conference.
“This car is so different than any generation of car I’ve driven before. To show up at Kansas [Speedway] and think that you’re going to have a shot to win, even when I ran a nine-race schedule, it’s just not a truth that can really be seen or realized. … I want to show up and be competitive. To have my last race in an event where I can truly win could be that cool walk-off home run.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
While Johnson is open to racing in other NASCAR divisions or motorsports events, he has confirmed that his Cup Series driving career will end after the 2027 Daytona 500 and that his INDYCAR pursuits, including another Indianapolis 500 attempt, are finished.
Reflections on Passion and Transition
Johnson has spoken candidly about his evolving passion for racing, describing the challenges of adjusting to life beyond his younger, more driven days behind the wheel. He acknowledged the difficulty of accepting that his hunger to compete at the highest level has diminished as he shifted his attention toward team ownership.
“The commitment it takes to be where I want to be in the field, I just I don’t have that in me anymore, and my focus and interest is truly building this race team,”
Johnson explained.
“And when I reflect on who I was as a 25-year-old kid jumping in that [No.] 48 [Hendrick] car, I was up to go to 0-hour 30 with this passion and energy to chase the day and do the best that I could.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
“I don’t have that passion for that part of life anymore, and that’s been a tough thing to kind of accept. And if I’m honest with myself, maybe the last year or two of driving, I was in that phase, but I had the best seat in the house driving for the best team. I was almost in denial of maybe what was going on. And it’s taken time. It took the two years in INDYCAR and the journey that I’ve been on now to really reflect on that and see it.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
Shifting Priorities and Expanded Roles
Johnson’s current schedule demonstrates how his daily life now revolves more around team management and business activities than driving. His recent commitments ranged from sponsor events to hands-on preparation of hospitality spaces during race weekends.
“I had four hours of sleep last night because we were at a sponsor event, and I was up all night doing e-mails. And then I was over at Home Depot this morning buying plants and furniture for our hospitality area in the driver-owner lot,”
Johnson said.
Looking ahead, Legacy Motor Club plans to increase its presence on the grid by expanding from two chartered cars to three in the upcoming season. Johnson indicated he would personally enter a fourth car for the Daytona 500 and would seek the open exemption provisional to guarantee his spot in the event.
“As a team owner, I need to be on the sidelines on race day supporting our drivers and crews on the competition side and cultivating relationships that are crucial to the long-term growth of [Legacy],”
Johnson stated.
“I also want to take the time to celebrate with fans throughout the season to show how grateful I am for their support throughout my career.”
– Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Driver and Team Owner
The Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Jimmie Johnson’s announcement signals the impending close of a remarkable era in NASCAR, as one of the sport’s most successful and recognizable figures prepares to step away from full-time driving. His commitment to developing Legacy Motor Club ensures he will remain a vital presence in the sport, shaping its future through leadership and mentorship.
With his final Cup race set for the 2027 Daytona 500, fans and competitors alike will watch eagerly as Johnson attempts a last memorable performance in a venue where he achieved some of his greatest triumphs. His transition highlights the increasing role of former champions in team ownership and the evolving nature of motorsports careers beyond the wheel.
