Jimmie Johnson's NASCAR Cup Series Chapter to Conclude at the 2027 Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson, a legendary figure in NASCAR, has announced that the 69th running of the Daytona 500 in 2027 will mark the conclusion of his illustrious NASCAR Cup Series driving career. This pivotal event will see Johnson make his 702nd start in the sport’s premier series, capping off a remarkable tenure that has cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

While Johnson’s full-time career with the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports team officially concluded after the 2020 season, his racing endeavors did not cease. He embarked on a new chapter, exploring different disciplines of motorsport with Chip Ganassi Racing in both IMSA sports car racing and IndyCar. However, the allure of his racing roots proved strong, and in 2023, Johnson returned to the Cup Series as a team owner with Legacy Motor Club, a venture he co-owns.

Since his return as an owner-driver, Johnson has participated in 14 Cup Series races, piloting the No. 84 car. His most competitive performances have consistently come at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, a track that has witnessed some of his most significant triumphs. His strong third-place finish in last year’s Daytona 500 further solidified the track’s suitability as the stage for his final Cup Series appearance. This strategic decision aligns with Johnson’s desire to conclude his Cup career in an environment where he can realistically contend for victory.

Adding another significant event to his farewell tour, Johnson is also slated to compete in the inaugural street course race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This event holds particular significance as it is considered a de facto home race for the 50-year-old driver, offering another opportunity for his loyal fanbase to see him in action.

Related News :

"No, it just made a lot of sense," Johnson stated during a press conference at Daytona on Saturday, explaining his decision. "I think as a driver that moonlights, the restrictor plate-tracks or that style of tracks is where you can be the most competitive. This car is so different than any generation of car I’ve driven before."

He elaborated on the competitive advantage that superspeedway-style racing offers to part-time competitors. "To show up at Kansas and think that you’re going have a shot to win, even when I ran a 9-race schedule, it’s just not a truth that can really be seen or realized. Daytona, you can, Talladega, you can, Atlanta for sure. So, I want to show them being competitive, and to have my last race in an event where I could truly win – it could be that cool walk off home run."

Johnson’s career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, he was rightfully inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a testament to his unparalleled success. His seven Cup Series championships, a feat matched only by NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, underscore his dominance. Over his career, Johnson amassed an impressive 83 victories, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most prolific winners. It was during the lead-up to his Hall of Fame induction that he began to seriously contemplate the optimal way to conclude his full-time Cup Series driving career.

"I imagine this year will be more reflection, and certainly, when we come back here next year, that’ll happen again, but I’m now savoring and enjoying, the emotions, feelings, conversations, all the moments around the time I’ve spent in this sport and all the great times we had," Johnson shared. "So, there’ll be more of that, but as I look back, the Hall of Fame, first being nominated, which kind of knew that was coming but the week, and all the events going into the Hall of Fame, it was just such a special time and it’s really opened the door to enjoy these emotions and reflecting and letting it in. So, I’m getting better at that and enjoying it, and, I know we’ll have another year of that."

Looking ahead, Legacy Motor Club is set to expand its operations, fielding three full-time cars in the upcoming season. Johnson, however, will be stepping into a fourth car, with the driver for this additional entry yet to be determined, to support the team’s expansion efforts. Despite stepping away from full-time Cup Series competition after February 2027, Johnson remains enthusiastic about exploring other racing opportunities across various disciplines.

"Man, anything with an engine," Johnson expressed when asked about his future racing plans. "I was just with Marty (Smith) and (Ryan) McGee, and, McGee mentioned the Bonneville Salt Flats, and, I mean, I’ve never been. I mean, that’s something I should probably try to do, so I’m going figure out. I know our Toyota friends are here, so guys, what can we go break a speed record with?"

He further elaborated on his adventurous outlook, "Between Toyota and Carvana, they’re like, yes, great idea. Let’s go do that. So, we’re racing the (Trophy Truck) Mint 400. I get to go back and go to my roots. Back to my roots and compete with Troy Herbst here in a handful of weeks. So excited about that one. But trying to find those marquee moments, those neat opportunities to go racing."

Johnson Reflects on IndyCar Journey

While Johnson’s focus is on his NASCAR farewell, he also addressed the closure of his IndyCar chapter. "The commitment it takes to be where I want to be in the field, I just, I don’t have that in me anymore," Johnson admitted. "My focus and interest is truly building this race team. When I reflect on who I was is a 25 year old kid jumping in that 48 car – I was up at (early in the mornings) with this passion and energy to chase the day and do the best that I could."

He candidly shared the evolution of his passion: "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 mean, I had the best seat in the house. 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."

Looking towards potential future endeavors, Johnson expressed a strong desire to compete in two of motorsport’s most prestigious endurance races: the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. "I would. I really, really would," he stated. "I had an invite for Rolex. They come typically as a driver, those opportunities show up in December. People start looking around for drivers, and if I’m to do it, I need to plan in like July or something to pull that off. The off-season is just so busy for the team. We have so much expansion taking place that a very credible offer came my way. I had to sadly turn it down. I just didn’t have the bandwidth to do it, but I certainly would look at that. Definitely."

Johnson’s career has been a benchmark for excellence, marked by unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and a deep respect for the sport. His decision to conclude his Cup Series driving career at Daytona in 2027 provides a fitting and emotional capstone to a journey that has inspired millions and redefined success in NASCAR. His continued involvement as a team owner ensures his legacy will endure, while his openness to diverse racing challenges suggests that the checkered flag may not be the final word on his involvement in motorsport.