Jimmie Johnson confirms plans to race in NASCAR’s new San Diego street race

On the weekend of June 19-21, NASCAR’s three national divisions will compete at a brand new course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego — the first-ever NASCAR event to be run on an active military base.

That historic event will include an entry by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and California native Jimmie Johnson. The co-owner at Legacy Motor Club will drive the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE in the 3.4 mile road course, with backing from Carvana. 

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible,” said Johnson in a release from the team. “I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson. “So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and Legacy Motor Club, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

Johnson continued: “When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle. Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”

Still racing

Since retiring from full-time competition, Johnson has raced everything from the Daytona 24 and Le Mans 24 endurance races to the Indianapolis 500, as well as taking part in ride swap with Fernando Alonso in Bahrain where he drove a McLaren MP4-28 F1 car.

Johnson, who recently turned 50, has also competed part-time in the Cup Series since becoming a team owner, finishing an impressive third in the 2025 Daytona 500 before making his 700th career start a few months later in the Coca-Cola 600. That race, which ended in an early crash, was Johnson’s most recent start at the Cup level.

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– The Motorsport.com Team