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Jimmie Johnson Sends Six-Word Message Before Coca-Cola 600 Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 25, 2025 7:31 AM ET

Legendary NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson will go back to where it all began for him.

This Sunday, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will take part in the 2025 edition of the Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and he’s feeling nostalgic about it.

The race carries lots of meaning for the 49-year-old Johnson, particularly because it will be held on the same track that he made his NASCAR Cup Series debut over two decades ago.

In October of 2001, Johnson raced for Hendrick Motorsports in the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for his first NASCAR Cup Series start.

Ahead of this weekend’s race in Charlotte, Johnson shared a post on X that sums up his full-circle experience.

“Back home. Where it all began,” Johnson captioned the post that also shows his No. 84 Toyota car.

Back home. Where it all began. pic.twitter.com/mSwlWVt8TE
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) May 24, 2025

Racing for Legacy Motor Club, Johnson is looking to pull off a surprise in Charlotte, just like he did in his most recent NASCAR Cup Series start.

Back in February, Johnson, who’s now retired from full-time racing, made loud noises at the Daytona International Speedway by coming up with a podium finish, placing third behind race winner William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports and Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing.

Johnson’s resume at the Charlotte Motor Speedway should make it difficult to count him out in the race.

In 39 career starts there, he’s won eight times and collected 16 top 5s and 22 top 10s. However, his last win in Charlotte happened nearly 10 years ago, when he topped the field at the 2016 Bank of America 500.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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