Seven-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson Set for Historic NASCAR Return in San Diego Street Race

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming historic street race in San Diego, marking a significant return to the sport’s premier series. The inaugural event, scheduled for the weekend of June 19-21, will feature NASCAR’s three national divisions competing on a brand-new 3.4-mile road course constructed at Naval Base Coronado. This groundbreaking race will be the first-ever NASCAR event held on an active military installation.

Johnson, a California native, will pilot the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, fielded by his own Legacy Motor Club, with primary sponsorship from Carvana. The announcement is a poignant moment for the decorated driver, who expressed profound emotion about the prospect of racing in his home region.

"Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible," Johnson stated in a release from his team. "I just came to the realization that there would be nowhere to put a track in that city. So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. 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 I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream."

The 49-year-old driver, who officially retired from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2020 season, has remained an active presence in motorsports. His post-full-time career has been characterized by a diverse range of high-profile racing endeavors. Johnson has competed in prestigious endurance events such as the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing his versatility and continued passion for racing. He also made headlines by participating in the Indianapolis 500, and famously swapped cars with two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso in Bahrain, driving a McLaren MP4-28 Formula 1 car.

Related News :

Despite stepping away from full-time Cup Series racing, Johnson has continued to make select starts in the series since becoming a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Racing). His most recent appearance in the Cup Series was at the Coca-Cola 600 in May, which marked his 700th career start. Although that race ended prematurely due to a crash, Johnson demonstrated he still possesses competitive speed, notably achieving an impressive third-place finish in the 2025 Daytona 500 earlier in the season.

The San Diego street race holds a particularly special significance for Johnson, extending beyond his childhood aspirations. "When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle," he elaborated. "Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special."

The inclusion of Naval Base Coronado as the circuit’s venue adds a unique patriotic dimension to the event. The military base, located on the Coronado Peninsula across the bay from downtown San Diego, provides a dramatic and historically significant backdrop for the race. This partnership underscores NASCAR’s commitment to honoring and engaging with military communities.

The 3.4-mile road course at Naval Base Coronado is designed to wind through the base, incorporating challenging turns and high-speed straights with views of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The layout was unveiled earlier this year, generating considerable anticipation among fans and competitors alike for its unique setting and potential for exciting racing action.

Johnson’s participation in the San Diego event is expected to draw significant attention, not only from his loyal fanbase but also from a broader audience interested in the intersection of motorsports and military appreciation. His career statistics are among the most impressive in NASCAR history: seven Cup Series championships (tied with Richard Petty for the most all-time), 83 Cup Series wins, and 220 top-five finishes.

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by Johnson and Maury Gallagher, has been working to establish itself as a competitive force in the Cup Series. While the team has faced challenges in recent seasons, Johnson’s involvement as a driver, even on a part-time basis, brings invaluable experience and a high profile to the organization. His return to the driver’s seat in a Cup Series car on a road course is a notable event, given his past success on such tracks, including multiple wins at Watkins Glen International and Sonoma Raceway.

The San Diego street race represents a bold new frontier for NASCAR, pushing the boundaries of track design and location. The successful execution of such an event on an active military base will be closely watched, with potential implications for future event planning and partnerships within the sport. For Jimmie Johnson, however, the focus is on a deeply personal and long-awaited homecoming, a chance to fulfill a childhood dream in a setting that resonates with his family history and patriotic roots. His presence on the grid at Naval Base Coronado is poised to create an unforgettable chapter in his storied career and in NASCAR’s ongoing evolution.