Jimmie Johnson, 50, is returning to NASCAR in 2026.
Johnson, driver of the No. 84 Toyota Camry, hasn’t raced in the NASCAR Cup Series since May of this year, when he finished 40th at Charlotte. In total, he raced two times in 2025, including a third-place finish at the Daytona 500 in February.
Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, declared on X that he will be making the return only because he has always wanted to race in San Diego.
The Southern California native said he had always ‘dreamed of racing in San Diego.’
He will finally get that opportunity.
Why has Johnson stopped racing?
He hasn’t stopped, but instead has moved to a part-time racing role, focusing more on his majority ownership of Legacy Motor Club.
He retired from full-time competition after the 2020 season. Johnson has said the decision came at a time when he wanted to emphasize his family and business more.
What championships did Jimmie Johnson win?
Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion:
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2013
2016
In 2006, Johnson was absolutely dominant, averaging a top-10 finish throughout the season.
His seven titles are tied for the NASCAR record with Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Petty. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024.