Kyle Larson Delivers Stunning Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Nov 3, 2025
Jimmie Johnson announced on Wednesday his intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event during the inaugural NASCAR San Diego weekend on June 19-21, 2026.
Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion and owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, is eager to compete in NASCAR's return to California. The native of nearby El Cajon, California is looking forward to a "bucket-list" moment.
“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. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson.
“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 NASCAR San Diego Weekend will bring all three of NASCAR's National Series to Naval Base Coronado. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will also be in action on the 16-turn, 3.4-mile street course during the weekend.
The NASCAR San Diego weekend is an opportunity for Johnson to compete close to home, where his motorsports career began at a young age on motorcyles.
“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,” Johnson added. “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.”
Johnson has won 83 NASCAR Cup Series races during his Cup Series career, including multiple wins in each of the sport's four crown jewel events. The seven-time series champion has two Daytona 500 wins, two Southern 500 wins, and four wins in both the Coca-Cola 600 and Brickyard 400.
After retiring from full-time Cup Series competition following the 2020 season and a brief foray into IndyCar competition, Johnson has competed part-time in the Cup Series since 2023. He made two starts in 2025, including a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500.
Should Johnson qualify for the Anduril 250 Race the Base on Sunday, June 21, it will be his first Cup Series start on a street circuit. He has nine top-five finishes and 20 top-10s in 41 road course starts in his career, including a win at Sonoma in 2010.
Carvana, a longtime partner of Johnson's, will be part of the effort on the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for the NASCAR San Diego weekend. The Carvana scheme will be unveiled at a later date.
-Photo credit: Nigel Kinrade/Lumen Digital Agency for Toyota Gazoo Racing
