Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson returned to the track for the Anduril 250 at Coronado Street Course but had a disastrous weekend. However, Johnson stayed positive and suggested that he enjoyed the weekend in San Diego.
Johnson last raced at the Daytona 500 earlier this year, where he retired from the race and was classified as P29. Coming into the debut race at Coronado Naval Base, the NASCAR icon announced that he’ll be racing in the Truck series as well as the Cup series.
Advertisement
The NASCAR star was asked about the weekend in Coronado in an interview with FrontStretch. Instead of being disappointed, the seven-time champion stayed positive as he said,
“Ran a bit better, but of course it’s so tricky and this track is something else. We didn’t have our stuff together either. Corey Heim and I can’t believe he won his first race so quickly and on such a tough track. My experience here being around friends, eating all the Mexican food I have, life is good.”
Read More: Austin Hill Takes Blame for Wrecking Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch Out of Anduril 250
Jimmie Johnson was then asked whether he got a moment to take a breather and enjoy racing at home during the weekend, to which he replied,
“I’d say the cool down lap on the way in, got the win in that down, the fans are still on the grand stands. Really, savor that moment, enjoy it. Uh I’ll look back on the weekend with great memories, but uh you know, it’s been awfully, awfully busy.”
Neither race went well for the seven-time champion at Coronado. Jimmie Johnson got into the lead of the Truck series race in Stage 2, but a couple of spins meant his No.1 TRICON Garage Toyota took significant damage and he had to retire.
Advertisement
In the Cup series race, Johnson qualified P36. On Lap 6, the No.84 Toyota locked up the tires going into the chicane and slammed into the tire barriers. The Chevrolet body took significant damage, but was able to continue. Jimmie Johnson’s struggles continued throughout the race, and he finished P28.
“Time to sit behind the desk”: Jimmie Johnson confirms that Coronado was his penultimate NASCAR race weekend
May 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jimmie Johnson on the red carpet prior to the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jimmie Johnson has been semi-retired since 2020 and has been racing as a part-time entry and managing Legacy Motor Club alongside. Earlier this year, he came out and announced the 2027 Daytona 500 as his last race.
Advertisement
When asked if he had any more races in 2026 on his calendar, Johnson replied,
“There’s just too much to do on the work side and uh being behind the wheel is, I mean it’s just tough to take care of it all. Running in junior categories or even some other championships where we don’t have so much on the line makes sense and I can play a little bit, but it’s time to sit behind the desk more often than behind the steering wheel.”
Read More: Kevin Magnussen Takes Shot at Noah Gragson After Heated NASCAR Confrontation: “Respect for Everyone Except That One Guy”
Riley Herbst is expected to step into the No.84 Toyota full-time in 2027 with Legacy Motor Club, securing their third charter from Rick Ware Racing.
Read the full article here
