Jimmie Johnson received a prestigious tribute when he was inducted into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame before the Toyota/Save Mart 350, recognizing his significant impact on NASCAR and the Californian racing circuit. Johnson’s outstanding record at Sonoma includes nine top-10 finishes in 18 starts and a memorable victory in 2010, marking his only road course win in a career filled with achievements.
Throughout his driving career, Johnson competed exclusively for Hendrick Motorsports and amassed 83 Cup Series victories, tying him with Cale Yarborough for sixth place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list. As a California native, he earned seven championships, joining legendary figures Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. in NASCAR’s elite championship club. He retired as a driver in 2020 and shifted to a managerial role as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club in 2023.
Reflecting on this honor at his home track, the 49-year-old expressed his gratitude:
“What an honor. I have this forever up in Sonoma Raceway history. Thank you so much for this amazing surprise.” —Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR legend
Brian Flynn, executive vice president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway, shared his views on Johnson’s induction:
“We are honored to celebrate Jimmie Johnson’s incredible legacy by inducting him into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame.” —Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway EVP and GM
“Jimmie’s accomplishments, both at our track and across his storied career, embody the spirit of excellence that defines this sport. As a California native, his impact resonates deeply with our fans and community,” Flynn added. —Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway EVP and GM
Johnson’s memorable win at Sonoma Raceway, known as Infineon Raceway at the time, came in 2010 when he led for half the race’s 110 laps. Driving the #48 Chevrolet, he crossed the finish line 3.105 seconds ahead of Robby Gordon, securing a highlight in a season that culminated in his fifth straight championship.
Currently, Johnson directs the driver lineup at Legacy Motor Club, overseeing two cars. At the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350, John Hunter Nemechek, behind the wheel of the #42 LMC Toyota, started in 18th place. Meanwhile, teammate Erik Jones began the race from 31st position in the #43 car.
Jimmie Johnson Discusses Plans to Add a Third Car to Legacy Motor Club
This month, Johnson shared insights regarding the possibility of expanding Legacy Motor Club’s stable to include a third car. When discussing potential candidates, he pointed to NASCAR Xfinity Series rookies Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love as promising prospects for the future.
During an appearance on the Never Settle podcast, the seven-time Cup Series champion said:
“When you look through the Xfinity Series, Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love. I think you also look through the garage area in the Cup Series, and there’s some young talent that took early steps to get into vehicles.” —Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club co-owner
“So there are just questions in my mind, especially wearing my team owner’s hat. We’re looking to expand to a third car and hope to announce some stuff here in the near future around that. But where to look, it’s tough.” —Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club co-owner
Zilisch and Love have both performed strongly in the current Xfinity Series season, each securing at least one race win and ranking within the top five in points. Zilisch recently earned three victories, including the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway, underscoring their potential for future success in NASCAR’s top tier.
Johnson’s goal is to establish a third car at Legacy Motor Club for the upcoming year, although the team remains flexible about the timing, considering 2027 as a potential target if immediate expansion does not materialize.
