Johnson to call time on NASCAR Cup Series career after 2027 Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start in next year’s Daytona 500.

The seven-time NASCAR champion and owner of Legacy Motor Club announced the news on Saturday. It comes a day before Johnson starts the Daytona 500, which will be one of two Cup Series races he’s scheduled to run this season, the other being in San Diego when NASCAR visits his home area for the first time to race on the Coronado Naval Base.

“I’ve been very fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport,” Johnson said. “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 time to focus my energy on building a world-class and unrivaled organization in Legacy Motor Club.”

Although there will be no further plans to compete in the Cup Series, Johnson is not ruling out racing altogether. It could include other series or forms of motorsports.

“Jimmie Johnson is a champion in every aspect of life – with his family, as the leader of Legacy Motor Club, and with his incredible success behind the wheel,” Tyler Gibbs, the president of TRD, said. “As he prepares to close the chapter on his iconic on-track NASCAR career, we celebrate his legacy in the sport and look forward to what we’ll continue to achieve together in the years to come.”

Johnson has made 700 starts to date with 83 career wins. Under the tutelage of Jeff Gordon, he was a full-time Cup Series driver with Hendrick Motorsports from 2002 through 2020. The No. 48 team, led by Chad Knaus, became a nearly unstoppable force during its run, including becoming the first to win five consecutive NASCAR championships from 2006 to 2010. His resume includes victories in all of NASCAR’s crown jewel events.

Upon retiring from NASCAR competition, Johnson went on to pursue other racing ventures. Those included two seasons competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, being named the Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year in 2022, running the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 and an Unlimited Hydroplane.

A partnership with Maury Gallagher brought Johnson back into the NASCAR fold in 2023, leading to the rebranding of the Legacy Motor Club team. Johnson became the majority owner of the organization in 2025.

“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 my career.”