Jimmie Johnson challenges Shaq to free throw competition amid Daytona 500 exchange

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is taking his social media exchange with Shaquille O’Neal to another level.

In what has essentially turned into a “who has more left in the tank” discussion, Johnson wants to put the hypotheticals into practice. Johnson challenged the four-time NBA champion to a free throw competition — he just wants to know when and where.

“Haha, I love you’re coming at me @SHAQ! Let’s roll with a free throw comp,” Johnson wrote Sunday on X. “Should be easy for you when you’re that close to the rim. Name when and where.”

Now, how did two legends of their respective sports reach this point, you ask? For the answer, let’s circle back a couple Thursdays ago. Johnson announced he will attempt to make his 22nd Daytona 500 next month. O’Neal came out on social media a week later and asked one simple question to Johnson: “22 years not enough for you?”

Jimmie Johnson fires back at Shaq over Daytona 500 surprise

Johnson was tagged in the post and responded one legend to another two hours later. Johnson fired a jab back at O’Neal, who retired from basketball in 2011.

“You know it, @SHAQ? I’ve still got the drive,” Johnson wrote. What about you, how’s that jump shot these days?”

O’Neal, of course, wasn’t known much for that jump shot or his efficiency at the charity stripe. O’Neal retired as a career 52% free throw shooter but was as dominant a center as anyone has ever seen in the NBA. Without knowing much of his prowess on the hardwood, Johnson has to like his chances against O’Neal — in a free throw competition, that is.

Johnson, meanwhile, is still racing a limited schedule at 49 years old. As part of his announcement, Johnson also released his 2025 schedule. It only includes a second race in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. If he qualifies in both races, Charlotte will be his 700th Cup Series start. Carvana will serve as the sponsor for Johnson, and he will be back in the No. 84 for his team, Legacy Motor Club.

Johnson, who co-owns Legacy alongside Maury Gallagher, has competed in 12 races over the last two seasons, making nine starts in 2024. His best finish was a P26 result in the last season’s finale at Phoenix. Johnson has an average finish of 31.8.