Jimmie Johnson expected to drive for Legacy Motor Club 'at some point' in 2024

Jimmie Johnson isn’t done with the NASCAR Cup Series as a driver just yet.

Since his retirement from full-time racing, Johnson has ventured into other areas of motorsports. He tried his hand at Indy Car, and returned to NASCAR as an owner with Legacy Motor Club. The seven-time champion has even raced a few times in 2023, although he’s had mixed results.

Since his days with Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson has driven for Chevrolet, but news hit the airwaves earlier this season that Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club team would be moving to Toyota in 2024. With Johnson’s longstanding relationship with Chevrolet considered, the news shocked many.

Some wondered if Johnson would race a Toyota. Of course, that’s what he’d be doing if he got behind the wheel of one of his Legacy Motor Club cars in 2024. Well, that seems to be a reality we’ll see next season.

According to Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson, Johnson will suit up and drive a Toyota for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career in 2024, and it’ll be a landmark moment for the manufacturer.

“100 percent. Yes, you will see him,” Wilson responded, speaking of Johnson’s driving future with Toyota. “In a Toyota. That will be very moving and emotional, for me personally. Professionally. For Toyota.

“Now I’ll let Jimmie fill in the blank, but I will just say that Jimmie Johnson will be racing a Toyota Camry before he is done as a race car driver.”

Johnson predates Toyota’s entry into the NASCAR Cup Series, so it’s going to be pretty wild to see him racing with them next season. Owning a car from the manufacturer is one thing, but getting behind the wheel of one is a completely different animal.

Additionally, it’ll be another feather in Toyota’s cap when Johnson takes the wheel. The team has had their fair share of legends in their car, from Denny Hamlin to Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch, to some fascinating young stars in Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Now, a seven-time champion will drive one of their cars.

Of course, Erik Jones and Noah Gragson — Johnson’s two full-time drivers — will be on the track racing for the manufacturer, as well. Jones has a past with Toyota, while Gragson will be a fresh addition to the car maker.

It’s always fun to watch Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR Cup Series, but next season will have an added lay of intrigue when he takes the wheel of a Toyota for the first time.