Jimmie Johnson to attempt Daytona 500 and Coca Cola 600

Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson is set to return to the track for the 2025 Daytona 500, aiming to qualify for his 22nd appearance in the prestigious race on February 16 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Johnson will drive the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, part of a two-race schedule for the year.

A two-time Daytona 500 winner, Johnson is eager to add another victory in NASCAR’s season opener, with his last win at Daytona coming in 2013. His first victory in the race came in 2006, both wins coming during his long tenure at Hendrick Motorsports. In addition to the Daytona 500, Johnson has also committed to racing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25 (6 p.m. ET, Prime Video, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). This race could mark his 700th career Cup Series start. Johnson has won the Coca-Cola 600 four times and holds eight total Cup Series wins at Charlotte.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to competition in 2025,” Johnson said in a Legacy Motor Club release. “These two races hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve always loved the energy and excitement that surrounds them. The Daytona 500 is a crown jewel of NASCAR – there’s nothing like it. Charlotte Motor Speedway is where I made my first start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it’s always felt like home to me.”

Sponsorship for both races will come from Carvana, marking the fifth year of the Phoenix-based company’s partnership with Johnson. Ryan Keeton, Carvana co-founder and chief brand officer, shared that the company is excited to create a special livery for Johnson’s 700th start milestone.

With four Coca-Cola 600 wins, Johnson is just one victory behind Darrell Waltrip’s record of five in the iconic race. The 49-year-old retired from full-time Cup Series competition after 2020 but has remained active in the sport as both a driver and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. His post-retirement career has included stints in IndyCar, and he returned to the Cup Series in 2023 for a three-race schedule, participating in nine events last year, including both the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600.

Johnson will become just the 21st driver in Cup Series history to reach 700 career starts. Kyle Busch most recently achieved this milestone in 2024, becoming the latest driver to join the exclusive club.