Jimmie Johnson to Retire After 2027 Daytona 500

Seven-time NASCAR champion to step away from full-time Cup Series racing after one final Daytona 500

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final race in the series. After a storied career that included 83 Cup victories, Johnson will shift his focus to his role as team owner of Legacy Motor Club, where he plans to support his drivers and cultivate key relationships for the organization's long-term growth.

Why it matters

Johnson's retirement marks the end of an era in NASCAR, as one of the sport's all-time greats steps away from full-time competition. His decision to focus on his team ownership duties with Legacy Motor Club signals a transition in his career, where he can leverage his experience and expertise to help develop the next generation of NASCAR talent.

The details

Johnson originally stepped away from full-time Cup Series racing with Hendrick Motorsports after the 2020 season. He has since raced sparingly for his own team, with his best result being a third-place finish in last year's Daytona 500. As a team owner, Johnson wants to be on the sidelines on race day, supporting his drivers and crews while also cultivating crucial relationships for the long-term growth of Legacy Motor Club.

  • Johnson will make his final Cup Series start at the 2027 Daytona 500.
  • He has raced sparingly for his team, Legacy Motor Club, since stepping away from full-time competition in 2020.

The players

Jimmie Johnson

A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who has won 83 races in his career. He is now the owner of Legacy Motor Club and plans to focus on that role after his final race at the 2027 Daytona 500.

Legacy Motor Club

The NASCAR team that Johnson owns, where he plans to support his drivers and cultivate key relationships for the organization's long-term growth.

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What they’re saying

“Next February, I'll make my final start in the Cup Series at Daytona. I've been very fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Jayski's)

“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 time to focus my energy on building a world class and unrivaled organization in LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.”

— Jimmie Johnson (Jayski's)

What’s next

Johnson will start at Daytona this weekend and is also slated for a race in San Diego later this season as he focuses on superspeedways and unique tracks, believing those venues give him the best chance for one more win before his retirement.

The takeaway

Jimmie Johnson's retirement from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing marks the end of an era, as one of the sport's all-time greats steps away to focus on his team ownership duties with Legacy Motor Club. His decision to compete in a limited schedule, with a final race at the 2027 Daytona 500, allows him to celebrate his storied career while also positioning himself to support the next generation of NASCAR talent.