Jimmie Johnson Reveals Final Cup Start–with a Stunning Surprise

What’s Happening?

Jimmie Johnson announced live during TNT Sports’ NASCAR pre-race coverage that he will make one final NASCAR Cup Series start in the 2027 Daytona 500.

Although many had long suspected Johnson would return for one last Daytona 500, the seven-time Cup Series champion made it official during Sunday’s broadcast. Hendrick Motorsports, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and Johnson subsequently issued a joint press release confirming the news (press release).

With the No. 84 expected to compete full-time next season, speculation had centered on which number Johnson would use for his final race. The No. 13 had previously been mentioned as a possibility.

Instead, with the blessing of Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson revealed the stunning choice: He will make his final Cup Series start behind the wheel of the number that defined his legendary career — the yellow No. 48, complete with its iconic Hendrick Motorsports-style font.

One more race. One more incredible moment.
 
Hendrick Motorsports is loaning me the No. 48 for my final Cup Series start in the 2027 DAYTONA 500. I’m beyond grateful to Rick, @Alex_Bowman, @TeamHendrick and @AllyRacing for making this possible.
 
I never imagined this could… pic.twitter.com/N1hg9yaKQf

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 26, 2026

Things to Note:

• Jimmie began his NASCAR Cup Series racing career in 2001 at Charlotte driving the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48. He went full-time with the number in 2002 to kickstart a legendary and hall of fame career.
• With the No. 48, Johnson scored 83 NASCAR Cup Series wins, 7 championships, 36 poles, and 375 top 10 finishes. He ran the number full time from 2002 to his retirement season in 2020.
• After Johnson retired from full-time competition, he took the number with him over to IndyCar, where he raced for Chip Ganassi Racing part-time in 2021 and then full-time in 2022.
• Johnson returned to NASCAR in 2023 as a partial owner of Legacy Motor Club. He has run a number of races part-time with the team in recent years, driving the inverted No. 84 for the team.
• When Jimmie Johnson fires his engine for the final time, in the number 48 Toyota, it will mark his 716th start in the number across NASCAR and IndyCar.
• This announcement comes in the same week as Alex Bowman announced his retirement from full-time competition following the 2027 season. Bowman will return to HMS next year. His car number is to be announced.

What do you think about this, Daily Downforce reader? Are you excited to see Jimmie Johnson back in the No. 48 for one final ride? Let us know your thoughts by commenting on socials.

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