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Jimmie Johnson Stuns NASCAR with Historic Daytona 500 Comeback—Is This the Start of a New Era?

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
February 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
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Jimmie Johnson Stuns NASCAR with Historic Daytona 500 Comeback—Is This the Start of a New Era?

Feb 16, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) walks to the drivers meeting before the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

For two decades, Jimmie Johnson built a legacy that NASCAR fans thought they had seen the last of. But in 2025, the seven-time champion rewrote the script, proving that even after stepping away from full-time Cup Series racing, he still has the ability to shock the world. A third-place finish at the Daytona 500? At age 49? Driving for his own Legacy Motor Club? This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement.

And what a statement it was. Johnson, once left struggling to find speed in NASCAR’s Next-Gen car, defied the odds and put together his best performance in nearly five years. The No. 84 Toyota survived the carnage of the final laps and surged from 10th place on the last lap to an unforgettable podium finish, standing tall next to winner William Byron and runner-up Tyler Reddick.

“This feels incredible,” Johnson said, beaming with pride. “I have emotions I didn’t expect to have. I’ve never been in this position as an owner, and it really opens up a different set of emotions. The pride I have in this result and the pride I have in this company—it’s been an interesting couple of years, and to have our cars come out and be this strong, I’m just smiling inside and out.”

Johnson Joins NASCAR’s Longevity Elite—Another Record in the Books

Johnson’s third-place finish wasn’t just another solid run—it put his name next to Richard Petty in yet another category. This marks a staggering 22-year gap between his first and latest top-five finish at the Daytona 500, making him second all-time in this category, surpassing Jeff Gordon.

This milestone isn’t just about longevity. It’s a testament to adaptation, skill, and an unrelenting will to compete. Johnson, who won his first top-five at Daytona back in 2003, now proves that even in the modern era—with a completely different car, a new team, and against a new generation of drivers—he can still contend.

Jeff Gordon, who held the previous record with a 21-year span between his first and last Daytona 500 top-five finishes, must have been shaking his head in admiration as his former teammate once again found himself at the front when it mattered most.

From Trick-or-Treating to the Top: Johnson Reflects on William Byron’s Rise

While Johnson’s performance turned heads, another storyline made the night even sweeter—his connection to the race winner, William Byron. The 26-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver has now cemented his place as the face of NASCAR’s next generation, becoming the fifth driver to win back-to-back Daytona 500s.

But for Johnson, Byron’s success was personal. Years ago, a young Byron would trick-or-treat at Johnson’s house, carrying a pillowcase for candy that Johnson would sign with his autograph.

“I’ve known William for a long time. He would trick-or-treat at my house when he was maybe five or six years old. I remember one time he said, ‘I’m gonna be your teammate someday.’ And I thought, ‘Yeah sure, kid.’ Now, to see him win two of these big trophies? It’s amazing.”

That “kid” just became a two-time Daytona 500 champion, following in the footsteps of Johnson himself, who once dominated the sport with a young Byron watching in awe.

Legacy Motor Club’s Revival—Is Johnson Building a Powerhouse?

Johnson’s return to relevance wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a major turning point for Legacy Motor Club (LMC). The team, which has struggled since its rebranding and switch to Toyota, showed signs of life in a way that hadn’t been seen since Johnson became the team’s majority owner.

For a driver who once dominated the Cup Series with 83 career wins and seven championships, becoming an owner-driver was never going to be easy. The transition from driver to businessman is often met with frustration, slow results, and a learning curve that many don’t overcome. But Sunday night changed everything.

LMC, a team that failed to even crack the top 20 in Johnson’s part-time races last season, delivered a podium finish in the biggest race of the year.

“I’ve been a part of this sport for so long,” Johnson said. “And now, in this new role, I want to build something special. Tonight showed what we’re capable of.”

Can Johnson Keep the Momentum Going?

The biggest question after Sunday’s Daytona 500 is simple: Was this a one-off moment, or is Johnson building something bigger at LMC?

His role as both owner and part-time driver brings unique challenges, but if Daytona was any indication, the veteran still has plenty left in the tank.

With Byron solidifying himself as one of NASCAR’s top stars and Johnson breathing new life into his own career, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating storylines in recent memory.

For fans who grew up watching Jimmie Johnson dominate the sport, seeing him fight at the front once again was a nostalgic, thrilling, and emotional moment. And for Johnson himself? It was a reminder that the fire still burns just as bright.

The king of the modern NASCAR era isn’t done yet.

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