Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR career may have entered a new chapter years ago, but the seven-time Cup Series champion continues finding new ways to stay at the center of the sport.
Already balancing responsibilities as co-owner of Legacy Motor Club and an occasional Cup Series driver, Johnson is now adding broadcaster to his growing list of roles. TNT Sports announced this week that the NASCAR Hall of Famer will join its coverage team as a studio analyst during select events in the network’s 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge coverage.
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The move puts one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers back in front of fans in a different capacity while adding even more star power to TNT’s expanding broadcast lineup.
Jimmie Johnson Will Join TNT Sports This Summer
According to TNT Sports, Johnson will serve as a studio analyst during coverage from Sonoma Raceway on June 28, North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26.
The seven-time champion said he is eager to take on the opportunity.
“Joining TNT Sports is an opportunity that truly energizes me,” Johnson said. “NASCAR has given me so much throughout my career, and getting the chance to share that passion from a new perspective alongside a fantastic team of NASCAR legends is something I’m really looking forward to. TNT Sports has a long history of bringing fans closer to the action, and I’m excited to help deliver that same level of insight, intensity, and fun as part of their NASCAR coverage.”
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Johnson is no stranger to television work. Following his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition after the 2020 season, he spent time as a NASCAR analyst before shifting much of his focus toward helping lead Legacy Motor Club’s growth as a Cup Series organization.
Now, he will return to the broadcast booth while remaining actively involved as both a team owner and competitor.
TNT Sports Continues Building Its NASCAR Coverage Team
Johnson’s addition is the latest move by TNT Sports as it prepares for its second season covering NASCAR under the sport’s current media rights agreement.
The network’s booth featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte and Adam Alexander will return in 2026. Marty Smith is joining TNT’s coverage as a pre- and post-race host, while former Cup Series driver Jeff Burton will also contribute as a studio analyst during selected events.
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TNT Sports Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Craig Barry said the network is focused on adding recognizable voices that resonate with NASCAR fans.
“Last year was an exciting return to NASCAR for TNT Sports, and we’re just getting started,” Barry said. “This year, we’re expanding our studio show and adding some of racing’s most recognizable and respected voices to our talented NASCAR broadcasting team. We’re always looking for new ways to create access and bring fans closer to the sport they love.”
The additions come as TNT prepares to once again air NASCAR’s five-race In-Season Challenge, which begins at Sonoma Raceway and concludes with the championship round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Few retired drivers remain as visible across every corner of the sport as Johnson. Between helping guide Legacy Motor Club, making occasional Cup Series starts and now stepping into a national television role, the seven-time champion continues to shape NASCAR’s future long after his record-tying championship run came to an end.
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