Jimmie Johnson may have stepped away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition after 2020, but the seven-time champion just reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the sport’s greatest drivers. With a strong performance in his part-time return, Johnson secured his best finish since retiring from full-time racing, proving that his talent and experience behind the wheel are still top-tier.
A Veteran Still in the Fight
Since transitioning to an ownership role with Legacy Motor Club, Johnson has made select starts in the Cup Series, balancing his team responsibilities with his love for competition. While his return races have been challenging at times, this latest performance showed flashes of the driver who once dominated the sport.
From the drop of the green flag, Johnson ran a smart race, staying out of trouble and methodically working his way through the field. As the laps wound down, he found himself in a position to capitalize, ultimately crossing the finish line with his best result in over three years.
“It feels good to be back up there battling,” Johnson said after the race. “This team is working hard, and I’m just enjoying every chance I get to be behind the wheel.”
A Sign of More to Come?
While Johnson’s schedule remains limited, this performance raises an intriguing question: could he have more strong runs ahead? His experience, racecraft, and championship mindset are still sharp, and when given the right opportunity, he’s proving he can still compete with the best.
For fans of the No. 48 legend, this race was a reminder of why Johnson is considered one of the greatest of all time. Even in a part-time role, he’s still got it—and he just might have more left in the tank.
