Jimmie Johnson seeks Daytona 500 glory as a last link to bygone era

NASCAR legend aims for historic victory at age 50, 20 years after his first Daytona 500 win

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Jimmie Johnson, a 50-year-old NASCAR legend, is returning to the Daytona 500 this Sunday, 20 years after his first win at the iconic race. As many of his contemporaries from the sport's heyday have retired or moved on, Johnson remains a final touch point to a bygone era when NASCAR was at its peak. Despite being winless since 2017, Johnson is aiming to match the late Bobby Allison as the only 50-year-old to win the Daytona 500, a feat that would cement his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history.

Why it matters

Johnson's potential Daytona 500 victory would be a symbolic passing of the torch, as he represents the last remaining active driver from NASCAR's golden age in the 2000s when the sport experienced a surge in popularity, sponsorship, and fan engagement. A win for the 83-time Cup Series winner would also highlight the changing landscape of the sport, with the introduction of the Gen 7 car and a push for more parity among teams, making Johnson's past dominance even more impressive.

The details

Johnson, a 31-year-old rising star in 2006, teamed up with his strong-willed crew chief Chad Knaus to win the Daytona 500 that year, igniting a historic run of five consecutive Cup Series championships. The duo's innovative approach and ability to exploit gray areas in the rule book allowed them to dominate the sport during that era. However, the current generation of cars and rules have made it more difficult for teams to gain significant advantages, putting Johnson and Knaus' accomplishments in an even more impressive light.

  • Johnson won his first Daytona 500 in 2006.
  • Johnson is making his 23rd appearance in the Daytona 500 this Sunday.

The players

Jimmie Johnson

A 50-year-old NASCAR legend and seven-time Cup Series champion, seeking to become the oldest driver to win the Daytona 500.

Chad Knaus

Johnson's long-time crew chief, known for his innovative approach and ability to exploit gray areas in the rule book, helping the duo dominate NASCAR during the 2000s.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A former NASCAR driver and current TV analyst, one of Johnson's contemporaries from the sport's heyday.

Jeff Gordon

A former NASCAR driver and current executive at Hendrick Motorsports, another of Johnson's contemporaries from the sport's heyday.

Connor Zilisch

A 19-year-old Cup Series rookie, who looks up to Johnson and appreciates his generosity and impact on the sport.

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What they’re saying

“I finished third last year.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Orlando Sentinel)

“In the 25 years, I've been driving these types of tracks, the game's changed, like 5%. The elements of the draft are still the same.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Orlando Sentinel)

“There was a lot of tension internally.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Orlando Sentinel)

“The lesson was about empowering others and trusting others.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Orlando Sentinel)

“I always loved Jimmy. He was just one of a kind. He always walks up and says hello. It makes younger me proud to have cheered for him, just because he's such a good person — and he's done a lot for the sport.”

— Connor Zilisch, 19-year-old Cup Series rookie (Orlando Sentinel)

What’s next

Johnson will race trucks in the Las Vegas foothills March 4-8 during the storied Mint 400 off-road trucks race, as he focuses on his Legacy team's success.

The takeaway

Jimmie Johnson's potential Daytona 500 victory would be a symbolic passing of the torch, as he represents the last remaining active driver from NASCAR's golden age in the 2000s. His accomplishments and impact on the sport, both on and off the track, have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.