Jimmie Johnson, Shaq face off in free throw competition to determine Daytona 500 paint scheme
Jimmie Johnson wanted it, and he got it. Last Sunday, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion challenged NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to a free throw competition.
O’Neal agreed, and the two recently met up to duel it out at the charity stripe. Johnson, determined to defeat one of the best big men in basketball history, even brought his own referee — ESPN reporter Marty Smith. O’Neal posted video of the competition Sunday, in which the four-time NBA champion came out on top.
Yes, the stakes were high. If Johnson had lost — which he did — then O’Neal would get to design Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota he will drive in the Daytona 500 later this month. That was the deal and now, it will indeed be O’Neal determining the look of Johnson’s ride at Daytona, his 22nd attempt at making the Great American Race.
Now, how did two legends of their respective sports reach this point, you ask? For the answer, let’s circle back a couple weeks 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 falls to Shaq in free throw competition
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.
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“You know it, @SHAQ? I’ve still got the drive,” Johnson wrote. What about you, how’s that jump shot these days?”
Johnson’s jump shot left some to be desired, but that’s not how he made a living. He did it on the racetrack and 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.