Jimmie Johnson Already Locked Into Daytona 500, Adds New Race To Schedule | NASCAR GOAT Debate

Jimmie Johnson is officially locked into the 2026 Daytona 500, and he’s also adding a surprise Truck Series start to his schedule, creating one of the most intriguing storylines of Speedweeks. Between a unique rule wrinkle, a hometown race, and bigger legacy questions, this week brought plenty to unpack.

• How does the Open Exemption Provisional guarantee Jimmie Johnson a Daytona 500 spot, and what does he give up by using it?
• Why is Johnson returning to the Truck Series for the first time in nearly two decades?
• What makes the San Diego street race such a special event for Johnson personally?
• Do late-career struggles actually impact Jimmie Johnson’s all-time legacy?

Johnson will start the Daytona 500 as the 41st car thanks to NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional, meaning he’s guaranteed a spot regardless of qualifying or Duel results. Still, he won’t earn points or prize money. It’s a tradeoff that ensures Legacy Motor Club and its sponsors are locked into the sport’s biggest race. On top of that, Johnson will race a Tricon Garage truck at San Diego, marking his first Truck Series appearance since 2008 and adding even more intrigue to NASCAR’s historic street-racing weekend. The discussion naturally expands into Johnson’s place in NASCAR history. While his recent results haven’t matched his prime, his five straight championships and dominant peak still put him firmly in the conversation among the sport’s all-time greats. Late-career struggles, as history shows, don’t erase greatness.

Watch Also