Jimmie Johnson confirmed that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final race in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing an end to a premier-class career that includes seven championships. The 48-year-old driver, who shares the all-time title record with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, is set to compete in his 23rd Daytona 500 this Sunday. Johnson has won the season-opening event twice, in 2006 and 2013, both years he went on to secure the Cup Series championship.
Johnson stepped away from full-time NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season. He then spent two years competing in IndyCar and entered the Indianapolis 500 in 2022. In 2023, he participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR Garage 56 program. Despite scaling back his Cup schedule, Johnson has continued to make select starts, including last year’s Daytona 500, where he avoided a last-lap crash and finished third.
While Johnson has not ruled out future appearances in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series or the Craftsman Truck Series, he stated that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final event in the Cup Series regardless of the outcome. He is also scheduled to compete in one additional Cup race this season with Legacy Motor Club, the organization he co-owns. That event will take place during NASCAR’s first visit to Coronado Naval Air Station in San Diego, California.
Johnson indicated that his focus is shifting toward building Legacy Motor Club into a leading organization within the sport. Since making his full-time Cup debut in 2002, he has become one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history, capturing seven championships and multiple marquee victories.
With his retirement date set, the 2027 Daytona 500 is expected to serve as the closing chapter of Johnson’s Cup Series driving career.
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