Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and team owner Jimmie Johnson will expand his racing role by serving as crew chief for Dario Franchitti during the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on February 28, 2026. This move marks a unique partnership as both drivers have extensive experience in the IndyCar Series.
Dario Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, is returning to stock car racing after an extended absence. His last Craftsman Truck Series start was in 2007 at Martinsville Speedway, where he finished 33rd. In 2026, Franchitti will pilot the #1 Toyota truck for Tricon Garage, bringing renewed attention to this entry.
Deep Friendship Fuels Johnson’s Role as Franchitti’s Crew Chief
The friendship between Johnson and Franchitti spans two to three decades, which influenced Franchitti’s decision to get behind the wheel again. Johnson persuaded Franchitti to compete in the Truck Series, convincing him to take on the challenge with the assurance that he would be by his side as crew chief.
“Dario and I’s friendship is 20 or 30 years deep. I talked him into driving a truck, and he said, ‘If I’m driving, I need you on the box.’ So I’ll be on the box doing my best to not mess him up.”
Johnson also expressed optimism about the opportunity, praising the quality of the equipment and team support provided by Tricon Garage.
“I’m super excited; Tricon has incredible equipment. They’ve put together a really nice opportunity for us to run Dario.”
Upcoming Race Broadcast and Event Details
The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 will run over 80 laps on the St. Petersburg street circuit, an event that will be broadcast live at noon Eastern Time on FOX, NASCAR Racing, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. This race adds to the excitement surrounding both Johnson’s new role and Franchitti’s return to stock car racing.
Jimmie Johnson’s Return to Competitive Racing in 2026
Separately, in November 2025, Jimmie Johnson confirmed his own comeback for the 2026 season, with plans to compete in a NASCAR points-paying race on a new street circuit at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This race is part of a special event honoring the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and will feature a challenging 3.4-mile, 16-turn layout designed specifically for stock cars.
“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family and friends, and do it with Carvana and Legacy Motor Club — this is one of those full-circle experiences you never forget.”
“It’s absolutely a bucket-list race for me. When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego feels like coming full circle. It’s going to be special,” he concluded.
The San Diego event, scheduled for June 19 to 21, will feature all three NASCAR series and will be aired live on networks including Amazon Prime, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Significance and Future Outlook
Jimmie Johnson’s decision to step into a crew chief role for a driver of Dario Franchitti’s caliber is a surprising yet strategic move that highlights Johnson’s broad interest in motorsports beyond driving. This collaboration might open new pathways for future team partnerships and deepen the connection between IndyCar and NASCAR communities.
The St. Petersburg race will serve as a testing ground for this new dynamic, while Johnson’s personal return to racing in San Diego adds further anticipation to the 2026 season. Fans and participants alike will be watching closely to see how these developments influence both drivers’ careers and the evolving landscape of stock car racing.
BREAKING: @JimmieJohnson will be Dario Franchitti's crew chief next week for the #NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series street race in St. Petersburg.https://t.co/Kl6RfodAHx
— Above The Yellow Line Media (@ATYLmedia) February 22, 2026
