Charlotte, NC — May 24, 2025
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has addressed and dismissed recent speculation about his retirement from NASCAR. As he prepares for his 700th Cup Series start at the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend, Johnson confirmed he has no plans to retire and intends to continue racing in select events.
“It really is just luck that the 700th start ends up at Charlotte and the track where I had my first start,” Johnson said on the ‘Rubbin’ is Racing’ podcast. “I’m not a numbers guy, but I literally have not been paying attention to this. It would have been amazing to plan at being done at 700 or some element of, but that’s really not the case.”
Johnson, who co-owns Legacy Motor Club, has been competing part-time since stepping away from full-time racing in 2020. This year, he participated in the Daytona 500, securing a commendable third-place finish—his best since retiring from full-time competition.
Looking ahead, Johnson expressed his desire to race a few more times in 2026. He also revealed plans to assist in expanding Legacy Motor Club into a three-car team, which could see him behind the wheel more frequently. “We’re looking at that as one of the many options which would then put me in the car a fair amount next year,” he added.
As Johnson approaches this significant milestone at Charlotte Motor Speedway—the site of his first Cup Series start in 2001—fans can look forward to seeing more of the racing legend on the track in the coming seasons.
