'Rest assured, there are more than 700 starts' in Johnson's future

Jimmie Johnson is not going anywhere.

The seven-time Cup Series champion got a chuckle on Saturday when he was informed that his recent social media activity led some to believe Sunday night would be his final NASCAR Cup Series race. The Legacy Motor Club owner has been reflecting on his 700th career start through various posts. One of the most recent ones included a video posted two days ago that was captioned, “Been a long road. Wouldn’t change a mile.”

But it will not be his final race.

“Really?” Johnson laughed. “No [it’s not]. Did you think it? That’s hilarious. That’s just great editing; proud of our digital department doing a great job.”

The milestone has been a moment for Johnson to reflect on his career, which also started at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He made his Cup Series debut in October 2001.

Sunday night will be his 40th start at the racetrack, and he is a four-time winner of the Coca Cola 600. He is only slated for two races this season, with Charlotte being the last one.

“From a driving standpoint, it’s halfway through the race before I stop thinking and just react and drive,” Johnson said of the challenges of being part-time. “That’s a tough thing to spot the field qualifying and have to go race. That part works against me coming in and moonlighting – especially at a place like Charlotte. Not being in the car all of the time has its consequences. But for me, to come in and have a chance to represent Carvana, have a chance to drive for our team, add another data point, work with up-and-coming crew members, work with up-and-coming over the wall members, there is an element here that really works for us.

“Last year, I ran nine; it was a little too much on the organization. This year, I’m at two. Maybe we do a few more. As we plan for next year, as long as it doesn’t take away from our full-time cars, we hope to run an unchartered vehicle and have me in it, and use that to develop talent and also help develop partnerships and such. It is part of our plan. We don’t have ’26 baked yet, but rest assured, there are more than 700 starts. I’m jumping up and down asking for more races than two.”