Jimmie Johnson addresses retirement rumors ahead of 700th Cup Series start at Charlotte

This weekend is a full-circle moment for Jimmie Johnson as he embarks on his 700th start in the NASCAR Cup Series. Johnson made his first-ever start in the Cup Series in 2001 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The man who has won everything in the sport is ticking off another box.

Less than two dozen drivers have made 700 or more starts in the NASCAR Cup Series. Out of the hundreds who have come through the sport, it is a testament to longevity and endurance above all else.

At 699 starts, Jimmie Johnson is two ahead of Matt Kenseth on the all-time list and one race behind Buddy Baker. On Sunday, he will join Buddy Baker in the 700 club. Kyle Busch is currently the only full-time active driver to have over 700 career starts.

So, is Seven-Time looking to put the 700 next to his trophies and call it a career? Johnson and his part-time schedule at Legacy Motor Club have been integral to growing that organization. Sponsors want to see the Hall of Famer with their colors and logos on his car and firesuit.

While Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time racing after the 2020 season, he has continued to make starts since becoming a team owner at Legacy. Earlier this season, Johnson finished P3 at Daytona. Is he going to finally hang up his helmet for good after this weekend at Charlotte? He says, no.

Kelly Crandall of RACER.com asked Johnson during a media availability today at Charlotte. Fans were reacting to a video Legacy posted on social media and thought it was a preamble to Jimmie’s exit from the driver’s seat for good.

“Really?” Johnson said, laughing. “No,” he said about it being his last start. “That’s hilarious.”

“No, it’s just great editing, proud of our digital department, doing a great job,” Johnson said.

So, there you have it. Jimmie Johnson does not plan to stop now. Despite having a very limited schedule this season, Johnson will likely suit up again in the No. 84 Toyota for 2026. Don’t worry, Superman ain’t going anywhere.

Johnson felt that nine races last year were too many. Two this year, that might be too little.

“Last year I ran nine [races], it was a little too much on the organization. This year, I’m at two. Maybe we do a few more, so as we plan for next year, as long as it doesn’t take away from our full-time cars, we hope to run an unchartered vehicle and have me in it and use, use that to develop talent. And also, help develop partnerships and such. So, it’s part of our plan. … Rest assured, there’s more than 700 starts, I’m jumping up and down asking for more races than two.”

Jimmie Johnson is not going to retire from racing completely anytime soon. Don’t worry, NASCAR fans. We are going to see Johnson continue to race and continue to help Legacy Motor Club improve week in and week out.