Jimmie Johnson driving on pit road during Daytona 500 practice at Daytona International Speedway. (Photo: Donald Jenney | The Podium Finish)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, proved that he still has what it takes, marking his best finish in over four years with a third-place result in the 2025 DAYTONA 500.
After entering the weekend as a driver fighting for a spot in “The Great American Race”, Johnson showed that he was far from finished.
It was unusual for the NASCAR world to see Johnson battling for a place in the 500, but the 49-year-old earned his spot with a fast lap during Wednesday night’s qualifying session.
The No. 84 LEGACY Motor Club team had the rest of the weekend to prepare for Sunday’s race. Johnson and his team participated in Duel 2 on Thursday night, finishing in 19th place. Though not a top result, it seemed the Toyota team chose to prioritize avoiding any issues, given the stakes.
Starting the 500-mile race from the 40th position, Johnson faced a considerable challenge. The opening laps were quickly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the track, causing a three-hour rain delay.
Once the race resumed, Johnson navigated through multi-car wrecks and the shifting weather conditions while working his way through the field. In the end, he secured a third place finish, his best result as a team owner.
Johnson’s LEGACY Motor Club teammates also fared well, with John Hunter Nemechek finishing fifth and Erik Jones taking 13th.
After the race, Johnson was greeted by his entire team, members of LEGACY Motor Club, and Bubba Wallace, who congratulated him on his performance.
“Good job, dude, [expletive] badass,” said Wallace.
Reflecting on the race, Johnson said, “Two of the LEGACY Motor Club cars in the top five — great way to start the season. I had Shaq on the hood, and I hope he’s watching and excited. Just an incredible experience this whole week. The cars have had speed, and there’s a lot of good things going on.”
He also reflected on what the race meant to him as a team owner.
“I am just thrilled; I can’t really put it into words. I didn’t dream of an experience like this before — to be an owner and finish well in your own car. This is all new,” Johnson added.
Although the 2025 season just started, Johnson’s driving schedule is already half-complete. He plans to compete in only two NASCAR Cup Series races in 2025, with his next event and last anticipated race being the Coca-Cola 600, the longest on the schedule.
With over three months until his next race, Johnson has some time to rest before returning to action.
NASCAR’s stars now head to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second event of the 2025 season. Fans can catch the action on FOX on Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. EST.
