The 2026 San Diego Naval Base race is now even more exciting. NASCAR has revealed its first-ever event held at a military base, taking place at Naval Base Coronado. This three-day high-speed event will occur in mid-June next year, with the Cup series race scheduled for Father’s Day. The track will pass by aircraft carriers and F-18s, creating a one-of-a-kind experience and serving as a tribute to the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. To mark NASCAR’s successful return to Southern California, who could be a better choice to come back to the track than Jimmie Johnson, a native of El Cajon, California!
Seven-time Cup Series champion and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, Jimmie Johnson, has announced his intention to get back into the driver’s seat for the event in San Diego next year. His final race was the Coca-Cola 600, and even though he’s 49 turning 50, Johnson acknowledges that his passion for racing remains strong.
Jimmie Johnson looks to secure a spot with LMC’s third charter
Jimmie Johnson made a short but sentimental return during his 2025 season. At the Daytona 500, he came back to racing, qualifying far down the standings and then making a strong push to finish third after a last-lap crash helped secure his best Cup result since 2020. His second and final appearance in 2025 was at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. Johnson achieved his 700th career Cup start, beginning in 17th position but ultimately finishing 40th due to a crash on lap 111. It was a mixed moment—celebrating a significant achievement by joining NASCAR’s elite with 700 starts, yet confronting the challenges of contemporary Cup racing.
However, when questioned about the following season,Jimmie Johnsondid not rule out the possibility of coming back past San Diego. Johnson was born and raised in El Cajon, California, about 15 miles to the northeast of San Diego, which is where NASCAR’s latest street course race is taking place.I desire to continue. I wish to remain in a vehicle. I believe it is beneficial for us, he told NBC Sports.
Trying to participate in more races next yearLegacy Motor Club, he said, “We are optimistic about securing a third charter. It’s time to start forming a team. There is a possibility that I will compete in more races next year if we have a third charter available and can find a sponsor, develop team members, gain experience with a crew chief, and provide opportunities for a driver. There are many possibilities being considered. I am hopeful that I can continue.
Well, Johnson’s strategy depends on the result of a current legal dispute. The team has initiated a lawsuit against Rick Ware Racing, alleging that the organization is reneging on a March agreement to sell them a charter, whereas Rick Ware Racing claims there was an error in the charter number provided. A trial is scheduled for January 26, 2026. In addition, Legacy has also filed another lawsuit on July 16 against former…Spire Motorsportsco-owner TJ Puchyr, who accused him of disrupting the transaction after he stated to the Associated Press that he had agreed to buy Rick Ware Racing following discussions on the initial deal with LMC.
Meanwhile, Johnson stays grounded as well. He stated, “I definitely don’t want to give you all a B- here. There’s also a situation where (making San Diego his last Cup race) could make sense. We haven’t put any effort into the idea yet. I still have more years left. I want to keep going.San Diego might serve as the emotional concluding chapter of hisCup-A driving narrative on Father’s Day, yet it also marks his career coming full circle back to Southern California. Jimmie Johnson’s return is about more than just sentimentality; it’s about narrative.
A final event in Coronado, with the military base as the setting, marking a significant moment in an accomplished career. This isn’t merely street racing; it’s about legacy, as intended.
Jimmie Johnson blocks Daniel Suarez’s chance with LMC
Legacy Motor Club’s 2026 initiatives gained clear attention this week followingDaniel SuarezOfficially separated from Trackhouse Racing. With Suarez now looking for a new Cup Series opportunity, talk quickly shifted to Legacy as a possible destination. However, Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of the team and a seven-time NASCAR champion, immediately clarified the situation. Although he commended Suarez as a wonderful friend and skilled driver,Johnson acknowledged that the timing and logistics probably won’t make a union possible..
Johnson insisted that Suarez is aexcellent companion and remarkable ability,but it’s evident that LMC’s present emphasis is on cultivating the upcoming wave of talent. Johnson has even acknowledged watching over drivers such asConnor Zilischand Jesse Love for a possible transfer. However, with Trackhouse having an open spot and Zilisch being part of their training program, acquiring him would be quite a challenging endeavor.
As for where Suarez might end up, there are few viable choices. The top teams, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske, have commitments through 2026. This is also true for Richard Childress Racing, RFK Racing, Spire, and Kaulig. Some mid-tier teams, such as Haas Factory Team and Rick Ware Racing, have drivers who have familial ties. Meanwhile, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are still available but haven’t announced any expansion plans. For now, Suarez’s next step continues to be one of the most uncertain aspects of the off-season.
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