Seven‑time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson announced that he will return to the sport’s premier series for the 2027 Daytona 500, marking what he described as his final competitive start in the Cup Series.
A Milestone Return
The veteran will climb into the iconic No. 48 Chevrolet, a car steeped in history and currently loaned to him by Hendrick Motorsports, the organization that has shepherded his career for decades.
In a heartfelt statement, Johnson thanked team owner Rick Hendrick, his former teammate Alex Bowman, the entire Team Hendrick family, and the sponsors at Ally Racing for making the reunion possible.
Fan Reaction
The announcement sparked a wave of enthusiasm across social media, where fans flooded timelines with messages of gratitude and anticipation for what many are already calling a storybook finale.
As the checkered flag prepares to wave over Daytona’s high‑banked turns, the racing world prepares to celebrate a career that has defined an era, while also looking ahead to the next chapter for the sport’s next generation.