Why the 2027 Daytona 500 is the end of a road for Jimmie Johnson

Johnson, a titan of NASCAR, concluded his full-time tenure with Hendrick Motorsports following the 2020 season. This marked the end of an era that saw him achieve unparalleled success, including an unprecedented streak of five consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010. Following his departure from full-time Cup racing, Johnson explored new frontiers, competing in IMSA sports car racing and the IndyCar Series with Chip Ganassi Racing. These ventures showcased his versatility and enduring passion for motorsports, demonstrating a continued drive to compete at the highest levels across different disciplines.

However, in 2023, Johnson embarked on a significant new role, returning to his NASCAR roots as a team owner with Legacy Motor Club. This move represented a homecoming of sorts, allowing him to contribute to the sport in a different capacity while still maintaining a presence on the track. Since rejoining the Cup Series as a driver for Legacy Motor Club, Johnson has made 14 starts in the No. 84 car, a machine he co-owns. While these appearances have been characterized by a desire to compete and contribute to his team’s development, his most competitive showings have consistently been at Daytona International Speedway. His third-place finish in last year’s Daytona 500 underscored his continued ability to contend on the superspeedways, making it a fitting venue to conclude his full-time Cup career.

The decision to retire at Daytona holds significant symbolic value for Johnson. He elaborated on this choice during a press conference held at the iconic track on Saturday, stating, "No, it just made a lot of sense. I think as a driver that moonlights, the restrictor plate-tracks or that style of track is where you can be the most competitive. This car is so different than any generation of car I’ve driven before." He further explained the strategic advantage of competing on tracks like Daytona and Talladega, where drafting and pack racing can level the playing field. "To show up at Kansas and think that you’re going 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. 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." This sentiment highlights his desire to exit the sport on a high note, competing for victory at a track synonymous with his career’s most memorable moments.

Johnson’s illustrious career was further cemented with his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024. This prestigious recognition came after an extraordinary run that saw him amass 83 Cup Series wins, matching NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty in career championships with seven titles. It was during the lead-up to his Hall of Fame induction that Johnson began to seriously contemplate the parameters of his final Cup Series driving season. The recognition served as a powerful catalyst, prompting introspection on how he wished to conclude his full-time driving career.

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"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. He continued, "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." This reflective tone suggests a desire to embrace the final moments of his Cup career, appreciating the journey and the relationships forged along the way.

Looking ahead, Legacy Motor Club is set to expand its operation to three full-time cars in the upcoming season. Johnson, however, will drive a fourth car, with the driver for this new full-time effort yet to be determined. While Johnson will step away from full-time Cup Series competition after the 2027 Daytona 500, he remains open to various forms of motorsports. "Man, anything with an engine," he stated when asked about future racing endeavors. He expressed particular interest in exploring new challenges, mentioning potential ventures like competing at the Bonneville Salt Flats for a speed record attempt, a concept he discussed with fellow motorsport personalities Marty Smith and Ryan McGee. He also revealed his participation in the upcoming Mint 400 in a Trophy Truck, a return to his roots, and his excitement for competing with Troy Herbst in the event. These statements indicate a continued appetite for diverse racing experiences beyond the NASCAR oval.

However, Johnson has definitively closed the chapter on his IndyCar racing career. "The commitment it takes to be where I want to be in the field, I just, I don’t have that in me anymore," he explained. His current focus is on the strategic growth and development of his race team. He candidly reflected on his past self, stating, "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. 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." This honest assessment reveals a shift in priorities, from personal driving ambition to team building and strategic oversight.

Despite stepping back from full-time Cup driving, Johnson has not ruled out participation in major endurance races. He expressed a strong desire to compete in both the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. "I would. I really, really would," he confirmed. He noted that opportunities for the Rolex 24 typically arise in December, requiring significant planning. Johnson revealed that a credible offer for the event had been made, but he had to decline due to the intense demands of his team’s current expansion. "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." This indicates a continued ambition for high-profile international racing, contingent on the team’s operational capacity.

As Jimmie Johnson prepares for his final full season of NASCAR Cup Series competition, his legacy is firmly established. His 2027 Daytona 500 start will not only mark the end of an era but also serve as a testament to a career defined by excellence, versatility, and an enduring love for the sport. His transition to team ownership and exploration of other racing disciplines underscore his multifaceted contributions to the motorsport landscape.