Jimmie Johnson Returns to NASCAR at Daytona 500

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson is making his return to the track this weekend on the biggest stage in all of motorsports, the Daytona 500. Johnson announced a few weeks ago at the NASCAR Coliseum that he will be returning to NASCAR this season to compete in 4-6 races.

Nascar Legend Jimmie Johnson Returns as Driver and Co-Owner

Growing up watching Jimmie Johnson was like seeing Jordan dominate in the 90’s, or like witnessing LeBron go to eighth straight finals. Johnson was always in the mix at the end of the season, just as you’ve come to expect Tom Brady playing in the Super Bowl each year. If you weren’t a fan of Johnson, you hated him because of his dominance. Johnson is one of, if not, the greatest NASCAR Driver off all-time. He is tied with two other greats, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for most championships with seven Cup Series trophies.

This piece by @NASCARONFOX was incredible, thank you. pic.twitter.com/9pMJlXs9by
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 7, 2023

Leading up to The Great American Race, fans have been forced to temper their excitement. Johnson wasn’t guaranteed a spot in the race and needed to qualify for one of the final of six spots. Fortunately, on Wednesday, Johnson ended up qualifying to race in his 20th Daytona 500.

A variable to his return is that Johnson is now co-owner of his car and racing on a smaller team. The dynamics of this change could make it difficult for him to compete versus bigger teams. The one advantage that he and his team will lean on, though, is he is Jimmie Johnson. You may not get vintage Johnson this weekend, but I’m certain his experience will be on full display. Competition should be fierce.

Weekend Details

Make sure you tune in all weekend for the Daytona 500 events. Action starts on Wednesday with the popular duel races, and last through the weekend. The results of many of these events help determine the starting order for the main event on Sunday.

Also, be sure to come back to woodwardsports.com on Sunday morning! I’ll be providing my Daytona 500 picks, as well as those of Red Wings legend Darren McCarty.