Jimmie Johnson Announces Final Decision On 2026 Daytona 500

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 11:41 AM ET

There'll come a day where NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson is retired for good. However, that day isn't here just yet.

Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, appeared in a pair of races during the 2025 season. Despite being considered a part-time competitor, he came in third place in the Daytona 500. He then finished in 40th place in the Coca-Cola 600, which marked the 700th Cup Series race.

Well, Johnson is scheduled to make two part-time starts during the 2026 season. He has partnered up with Carvana for the Daytona 500.

"We’ve shared an incredible journey with Jimmie and we’re excited for what’s ahead in our fifth year of partnership this season," Carvana co-founder Ryan Keeton said. "Jimmie’s drive, energy, and authenticity always inspire us, and we can’t wait to see him take to the track at Daytona with this brand new design, marking another exciting chapter in our story together."

DOVER, DELAWARE - APRIL 28: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Dollar Tree/Family Dollar Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway on April 28, 2024 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)James Gilbert/Getty Images

Johnson's paint scheme for the "Great American Race" has already been unveiled.

"Carvana has been an incredible partner, and every season we’ve found new ways to celebrate what makes racing so special," Johnson said in a press release. "This year’s scheme is sharp, it’s fresh, and I can’t wait for fans to see it on the track in Daytona."

: @JimmieJohnson and @Carvana will team up for the 2026 #Daytona500.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/sPNjRLDW3c
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) December 18, 2025

Fans torn on Jimmie's decision.

While there are plenty of NASCAR fans who like Johnson's new paint scheme, some people just want him to ride off into the sunset for good.

"Please hang it up or give Corey Heim the ride," one fan wrote on social media. "Stop tarnishing your legacy."

"He’s gotta just retire already," a second fan said. "It’s sad to see him running 34th all the time."

"I actually really like the halftone design here," another fan wrote. "Not the biggest fan of mixing the neon yellow and carvana orange/yellow, but they did a better job at it than they did last year at Charlotte."

Johnson, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, is clearly done competing on a full-time schedule.

That being said, Johnson isn't ready to say goodbye to the sport just yet.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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