2027 Daytona 500 Will Be Final NASCAR Cup Series Start for Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the team owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, announced Saturday that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be the final Cup Series start of his illustrious career.

Johnson is an 83-time race winner at the highest level of NASCAR, and his seven championships place him in a three-way tie with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for the most in Cup Series history. The California native was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024.

Johnson will compete in two NASCAR events in 2026, this Sunday's Daytona 500 and the NASCAR San Diego Weekend at Naval Base Coronado. He will retire from NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 Daytona 500.

“Next February, I’ll make my final start in the Cup Series in Daytona,” said Johnson. “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.”

Johnson stepped away from full-time competition following the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. After two seasons competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, he became a co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2022 returned to NASCAR as a part-time competitor in 2023.

While the 2027 Daytona 500 will be Johnson's final NASCAR Cup Series start, he is leaving the door open to other racing opportunities following next year's "Great American Race."

“As a team owner, I need to be on the sidelines on race day supporting our drivers and crews on the competition side and cultivating relationships that are crucial to the long-term growth of the CLUB,” Johnson said. “I also want to take the time to celebrate with fans throughout the season to show how grateful I am for their support throughout the years.”

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB aims to give Johnson a proper farewell through the 2027 Daytona 500 undertaking. Johnson initially announced plans to retire from NASCAR ahead of the 2020 season, but the COVID pandemic that struck that year prevented a proper and meaningful farewell for the driver and his fans.

Plans to celebrate Johnson's accomplishments, including appearances, fan engagement, and merchandise drops will be shared by LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the coming weeks.

Johnson starts 31st in Sunday's Daytona 500 in the No. 84 for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Coverage of the Daytona 500 will be on FOX, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with the green flag scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.

-Photo credit: Ricky Martinez/Racing America