Jimmie Johnson fires back at Shaq over Daytona 500 surprise

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced last Thursday he will attempt to make his 22nd Daytona 500 next month.

Johnson’s announcement excited fans eager to see the Hall of Famer back on the racetrack and even caught the attention of four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal came out on social media Thursday and asked one simple question to Johnson: “22 years not enough for you?”

Dang, @jimmiejohnson going for another Daytona?! 22 years not enough for you?

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 23, 2025

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.

Jimmie Johnson hoping to make the field in 2025 Daytona 500

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.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to competition in 2025,” Johnson said. “These two races hold a special place in my heart, and I’ve always loved the energy and excitement that surrounds them. 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.” 

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.

Johnson said he “absolutely” wants to get more experience in the Next Gen car, which he’s struggled to adapt to.

“I’m a result-oriented guy,” Johnson told Jayski.com in November. “It’s hard not to have that weigh on you at times. Picking a goal, having a reason and a purpose for why we’re running a third car is very helpful.”