Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is set to drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage during the upcoming NASCAR event at Naval Base Coronado, a special street race in San Diego, California. As a native of California, Johnson will also participate in a NASCAR Cup Series race that same weekend, aiming to take on the challenge of competing in both events, with sponsorship from Carvana for each.
Although Johnson boasts over 700 starts in the Cup Series, with 83 victories and seven championships, he has only raced once in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. That appearance was in 2008 at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he qualified ninth, led 29 laps, but ultimately finished 34th due to a crash. Expressing his excitement, Johnson shared, “Racing in San Diego means everything to me. This is home. Driving in the Truck Series has been on my mind for some time. The competition is incredible, and to do it at a historic street race on my hometown naval base is truly special. I’m grateful to TRICON and Carvana for making this happen. It’s a perfect way to honor the military and celebrate my roots.”
Johnson retired from full-time NASCAR competition after the 2020 season but has remained active on a part-time basis. His upcoming race will be the 2026 Daytona 500, marking his 23rd time competing in this prestigious event, secured through the Open Exection Provisional.
Fan Take: Jimmie Johnson’s participation in this unique San Diego street race highlights NASCAR’s expanding efforts to diversify race venues and engage fans in new markets. For longtime supporters and newcomers alike, seeing a legendary driver step into the Truck Series again adds excitement and bridges generations within the sport.
