Jimmie Johnson Names 2027 Daytona 500 as Final Cup Race, Will Shift Focus to Ownership
Jimmie Johnson announced that his final start in the NASCAR Cup Series will come at the 2027 Daytona 500, laying out a timeline for stepping away from full-time Cup competition while keeping the door open for selective starts and a deeper role as an owner. The 50-year-old will be a central figure this weekend as he races in the Daytona 500, where he will begin from the 28th position on the grid.
Why 2027 and what Johnson plans next
Johnson framed the decision as the culmination of several years of reflection. "I’ve been fortunate to accomplish more than I ever imagined in this sport, " he said Saturday. "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. I am going to focus all of my energy on leading and building a world-class organization. "
That organization is the team he owns, which fields cars in the NASCAR Cup Series and employs drivers who continue to compete at the highest level. Johnson made clear he won’t necessarily retire from racing entirely after 2027; rather, he intends to concentrate on ownership and leadership while picking and choosing on-track opportunities that align with his priorities.
The announcement gives the sport one final marquee moment to celebrate an all-time great on one of its biggest stages. For Johnson, who has been deliberate about balancing driving, ownership and occasional ventures outside stock cars, the 2027 Daytona 500 will serve as a planned farewell to the Cup garage.
Short-term plans: Daytona, San Diego and selective racing
Johnson will compete in this weekend’s Daytona 500 from the 28th starting spot and is aiming for another memorable performance at a race he has won twice, in 2006 and 2013. He emphasized the symbolic importance of the event: "It’s the only race you get a title, " he said. "You leave here and anything you do, you got a title. I never had a title in my life. That speaks to the importance of the race, the magnitude of the race, the history behind it all. "
Beyond Daytona, Johnson confirmed plans to race later this season at the Cup event in San Diego, and he will also run Truck Series action that weekend. Those appearances fit a pattern since he stepped away from full-time Cup duties: Johnson has taken a diverse approach to his racing calendar, including two seasons of competition in IndyCar and a series of selective stock-car starts. He’s said he enjoys the freedom to pick events that interest him, and this year’s partial schedule reflects that philosophy.
Legacy, championships and a new chapter in team leadership
Johnson’s résumé is among the most decorated in NASCAR history. He has won seven Cup Series championships, a mark that ties the all-time record, and has amassed 83 career Cup victories. Those accomplishments give weight to his announced plan to shift focus toward building a top-tier organization from the owner’s seat.
As owner, Johnson will concentrate on growing the team’s competitiveness and infrastructure while mentoring drivers and staff. The move marks a common arc for elite drivers who transition from full-time competition to leadership roles, using their experience and platform to shape a team’s direction and culture.
Fans and peers will get a long runway to celebrate Johnson’s final Cup appearances, culminating with the 2027 Daytona 500. In the meantime, he’ll chase another strong showing at Daytona this weekend and continue to balance occasional racing with the demands of team ownership as he builds toward the next chapter of his motorsports career.
