Jimmie Johnson detailed the emotions of his upcoming final NASCAR Cup Series start in the 2027 Daytona 500. Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion and 83-time race winner, stepped away from full-time competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
After 19 seasons behind the wheel of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Johnson joined forces with NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty in 2023 to form Legacy Motor Club. Johnson began making part-time starts for the organization in 2023 behind the wheel of the No. 84 Toyota.
Earlier this year, Johnson decided the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his last ride. With the backing of his longtime Cup sponsor Lowe’s, Ally, and Carvana, Johnson will pilot his famed No. 48 one final time in next year’s “Great American Race.”
Jimmie Johnson on Final NASCAR Cup Race: ‘I’m Ready’
Johnson made an appearance on the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast and was asked about his emotions ahead of his final NASCAR race. The 51-year-old, who is a husband and father of two, joked that his family will finally have closure that next year’s Daytona 500 is his final ride.
Above all, Johnson said he is ready to hang up the racing helmet.
“I think my family’s finally going to believe me this time that it’s my last Cup race, so there’ll be some closure there. More than anything, I’m ready,” he said.
When asked about driving a car with his iconic No. 48 on the side of the door, Johnson tried to put into words what it means.
“Incredibly special. The journey to get the number, to get Lowe’s back in — Carvana is the most incredible anyhow and just wants to do cool [expletive] all the time. Ally is going to have a small portion involved, so just to have that big group back together one final time is going to be great,” Johnson said.
One last ride in the No. 48.
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 19, 2026
Jimmie Johnson is ready to close the book on his Cup Series career at Daytona.
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Johnson was also asked if “Jimmie Jam,” the champion driver’s private, party life “alter ego” will be out after running his final NASCAR race. The former Hendrick Motorsports star gave a humorous response.
“I really hope the race ends when it’s supposed to so we can have all the appropriate fun,” Johnson said.
With a record seven Cup Series championships, including an unprecedented five straight (2006-2010), Johnson is widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. His 83 career Cup wins rank sixth all-time, tied with the late Cale Yarborough.
Johnson was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2024.