Jimmie Johnson, the seven‑time NASCAR champion, confirmed that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final race as a driver in the Cup Series.
Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Johnson described the upcoming event as his "second go" and said he is now fully committed to his role as co‑owner of LEGACY Motor Club.
The No. 48 legacy
He will take the wheel of the No. 48 LMC Toyota at Daytona, a number that became synonymous with his career at Hendrick Motorsports, where Rick Hendrick once allowed him to use it. The car is currently driven by Alex Bowman.
The race is scheduled for February 21, 2027, and will mark the culmination of a career that includes two Daytona 500 victories, in 2006 and 2013, as well as a record seven championships.
Johnson retired from full‑time competition after the 2020 season, but he has made 16 Cup starts since then, keeping a low‑profile presence while balancing his ownership duties.
Although he remains open to occasional off‑road truck opportunities, his primary focus is steering LEGACY Motor Club toward growth, a venture he describes as his main motivation in the increasingly competitive NASCAR landscape.
His announcement underscores a seamless transition from driver to team leader, leaving fans eager to see how his legacy will shape the sport’s next chapter.