Jimmie Johnson to make closing Daytona 500 begin in 2027

Jimmie Johnson announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will cap his NASCAR Cup Series career.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion made his intentions known on Saturday, one day before the 69th running of “The Great American Race.”

“Next February, I‘ll make my final start in the Cup Series in Daytona,” said Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 champion. “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, who is the majority owner of Legacy, left the door open to competing in other NASCAR national series beyond 2027, however.

Johnson, 50, won the Daytona 500 in 2016 and 2013, and he finished third in 2025. He is an 83-time Cup Series winner.

“Jimmie Johnson is a champion in every aspect of his life — with his family, as the leader of Legacy Motor Club and with his incredible success behind the wheel,” said Tyler Gibbs, president of Toyota Racing Development USA. “As he prepares to close the chapter of 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, who retired from full-time competition after the 2020 season, has raced a partial Cup Series schedule for the past few years. His last victory came in 2017.

–Field Level Media