Jimmie Johnson says the 2027 Dayton 500 will be the last NASCAR Cup Series race
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Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced Saturday that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his last in the Cup Series.
Johnson, who has taken home the checkered flag in the main event twice, wants to continue racing in other series, possibly in other NASCAR events, but he will not return to the top level of auto racing.
“I was lucky enough to achieve more than I thought possible in this game,” said Johnson. “The past six years have given me the freedom to choose where I compete and, more importantly, the clarity of understanding where I am most needed. I will focus all my energies on leading and building a world-class organization.”
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Jimmie Johnson (#84 Legacy Motor Club Carvana Toyota) waves to the crowd before the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Duel 1 on Feb. 12, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“Jimmie Johnson is a champion in every aspect of his life – including his family, as the leader of the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and his incredible success,” Toyota vice president Tyler Gibbs said in a statement. “As he prepares to close a chapter in his storied career in NASCAR, we celebrate his legacy in the sport and look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together in the years to come.”
His seven titles are tied for the most all-time in NASCAR history, along with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. His first five consecutive wins were from 2006 to 2010, followed by titles in 2013 and 2016.
Jimmie Johnson (48) wins the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship after winning the FORD EcoBoost 400 race on Nov. 20, 2016, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Stephen A. Arce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Johnson retired from full-time driving after the 2020 season and has won 83 Cup Series.
He competed in the IndyCar Series for two seasons (2021-22), became a part owner in the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, and drove in many bucket list events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Unlimited Hydroplane at Seafair.
He starts 23rd in Sunday’s Daytona 500, having won in 2006 and 2013.
“It’s the only race that gets the title,” Johnson said earlier this week. “I was lucky to hear that. You go from here and whatever you do, you get a title. I’ve never had a title in my life. That speaks to the importance of the race, the greatness of the race, the history behind it all.
Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, celebrates in victory mode after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 24, 2013, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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“You get a title, and you’re reminded of it every time you’re introduced.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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