Jimmie Johnson officially enters Daytona 500, reveals 2025 NASCAR schedule

This February, Jimmie Johnson will attempt to make his 22nd Daytona 500. The seven-time champion is going to have a tough go. There are more open cars entered this year in NASCAR‘s season-opener than there have been in a number of years.

Last year, Jimmie Johnson almost missed out on the Daytona 500 in a battle with JJ Yeley in the Duels. He’s hoping that his attempt to qualify this year goes smoother. But there may be as many as 10 open cars, potentially sending five cars home.

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.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to competition in 2025,” said Johnson. “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.” 

One quote in the team press release that caught my eye was Johnson’s use of the phrase “wind down.” It isn’t a secret that we’re seeing the last days of the racer behind the wheel. He isn’t shying away from it, either.

“As my days behind the wheel of a racecar continue to wind down, the partnership with Carvana continues to celebrate my career and it’s such an honor.”  

Is Jimmie Johnson retiring for good?

Could that 700th start be his final NASCAR race ever? Jimmie Johnson appears to be setting himself up to make a graceful exit and bookmark his career with starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

There is no doubt, the last few years in the open car have not been great for Jimmie. Hopefully, we see a spark of the driver he used to be in one of these races. I’m nervous that he will not make the Daytona field. Does Legacy have one of those Open Exemption Provisionals for Seven-Time?

Already, Anthony Alfredo, Martin Truex Jr., Helio Castroneves, and Justin Allgaier are entered as open drivers. Those would be my four to make the 40-car field if I had to pick right now. Of course, JJ Yeley and BJ McLeod are also entered.

On top of those entries, Jimmie Johnson now joins. Rick Ware is expected to field an open car. Also, MBM Motorsports has to replace Mike Wallace after he was denied entry by NASCAR. So, what happens if Johnson doesn’t make the field?