Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has announced his intention to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500, aiming to add a third victory at the prestigious event to his illustrious career. The NASCAR Hall of Famer will drive the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club in the season opener on February 16.

Johnson, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024, is no stranger to success at the “Great American Race.” His previous Daytona 500 victories came in 2006 and 2013 during his tenure with Hendrick Motorsports. The upcoming attempt will mark his 22nd appearance in NASCAR’s premier event.

The 49-year-old racing icon has also confirmed a second race on his 2025 schedule – the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. The Memorial Day Weekend classic holds special significance for Johnson, as it was the site of his first NASCAR Cup Series start. With four victories already under his belt at NASCAR’s longest race, Johnson sits just one win shy of Darrell Waltrip’s record of five Coca-Cola 600 victories.

“These two races hold a special place in my heart,” Johnson shared in a Legacy Motor Club news release. “The Daytona 500 is a crown jewel of NASCAR — there’s nothing like it. Charlotte Motor Speedway is where I made my first start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it’s always felt like home to me.”

The Charlotte race could mark a significant milestone in Johnson’s career – his 700th Cup Series start. To commemorate this achievement, longtime partner Carvana will sponsor both races and is planning a special livery design. Ryan Keeton, Carvana’s co-founder and chief brand officer, emphasized their commitment to creating a design worthy of the occasion.

Since stepping away from full-time competition after the 2020 season, Johnson has maintained an active presence in motorsports. His post-retirement career has included ventures into IndyCar racing and a continued connection to NASCAR both as a driver and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. In 2024, he participated in nine Cup Series events, including both the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600.

Johnson’s potential 700th start would place him among an elite group of only 20 drivers in Cup Series history to reach this milestone. The most recent addition to this exclusive club was Kyle Busch, who achieved his 700th start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2024.

With 83 premier series wins to his name, Johnson’s return to these iconic races not only adds star power to the events but also provides him with opportunities to further cement his legacy in NASCAR history.