Jimmie Johnson confirmed that he will conclude his NASCAR Cup Series career at the 2027 Daytona 500. The announcement came on the eve of the 69th running of the event, where Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, shared his future plans and reflections on his racing journey.
Reflecting on a Legendary Career and Future Focus
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion expressed gratitude for his achievements throughout his career and spoke about shifting his focus toward team leadership. Johnson stated,
“Next February, I‘ll make my final start in the Cup Series in Daytona,”
highlighting the significance of this iconic race to his legacy. He added,
“I‘ve been very fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport. 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 just time to focus my energy on building a world class and unrivaled organization in Legacy Motor Club.”
Ownership and Continued NASCAR Involvement
Johnson, now 50 years old, is the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, and while he announced his final Cup race in 2027, he has left room for involvement in other NASCAR national series beyond that year. His notable record includes winning the Daytona 500 twice, in 2013 and 2016, and securing 83 victories in the Cup Series overall. He also finished third at Daytona in 2025.
Industry Praise and Legacy Appreciation
Tyler Gibbs, president of Toyota Racing Development USA, praised Johnson’s accomplishments on and off the track, stating,
“Jimmie Johnson is a champion in every aspect of his life — with his family, as the leader of Legacy Motor Club and with his incredible success behind the wheel.”
Gibbs further remarked,
“As he prepares to close the chapter of his iconic on-track NASCAR career, we celebrate his legacy in the sport and look forward to what we‘ll continue to achieve together in the years to come.”
Partial Racing Schedule and Career Highlights
Johnson retired from full-time racing after the 2020 season but has competed in part-time schedules since then, with his last win dating back to 2017. His decision to end his Cup Series starts with the 2027 Daytona 500 marks the close of a remarkable era in NASCAR history.
