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By the People, for the People
Jimmie Johnson to Retire After 2027 Daytona 500
NASCAR legend cites competitiveness as key factor in choosing his final race
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson announced that he will make his final NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2027 Daytona 500 on February 21, 2027. The seven-time Cup Series champion and 83-time race winner cited his desire to be competitive in his final race as the main reason for choosing the Daytona 500, a restrictor plate track where he believes he can still be a contender.
Why it matters
Johnson's retirement will mark the end of an era, as he is one of the most successful and iconic drivers in NASCAR history. His decision to end his career at the Daytona 500 will give him one last chance to compete for a win at a track where he has found tremendous success over the years.
The details
Johnson outlined his reasons for choosing the 2027 Daytona 500 as his final race, stating that the restrictor plate tracks are where he can be the most competitive, especially with the new Next-Gen car that he has struggled to adapt to at other tracks. He also mentioned that he wants to go out on a high note and have a 'cool walk-off home run' in his final race.
- Jimmie Johnson announced his retirement plans on February 14, 2026.
- Johnson's final NASCAR Cup Series start will be the 2027 Daytona 500 on February 21, 2027.
The players
Jimmie Johnson
A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 83-time race winner, considered one of the most successful and iconic drivers in NASCAR history.
What they’re saying
“As a driver, the restrictor plate tracks, that's where you can be the most competitive. This car (Next-Gen car) is so different than any generation of car I've driven before. To show up at Kansas and think that you're going to have a shot to win — even when I ran a nine-race schedule (in 2024), it's just not a true fit that can really be seen.”
— Jimmie Johnson (Fox Sports)
“I want to show up and be competitive. To have my last race at an event when I can truly win can be that cool walk-off home run.”
— Jimmie Johnson (Fox Sports)
What’s next
Johnson could use NASCAR's Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) to ensure he's in the 2027 Daytona 500 field, just as he did this year, which would guarantee him a spot in the race but prevent him from receiving prize money.
The takeaway
Jimmie Johnson's decision to retire after the 2027 Daytona 500 is a fitting end to the career of one of NASCAR's all-time greats. By choosing a race where he believes he can still be competitive, Johnson is ensuring that he can go out on a high note and leave the sport on his own terms.
