In sports, legends thrive on competition. But sometimes, they walk into battles they’re just not built for. NASCAR icon Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, is gearing up for his 22nd Daytona 500 attempt, but before he could take on the best in stock car racing, he made a high-stakes wager against an unlikely rival—NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
What started as playful social media banter spiraled into a high-pressure free-throw contest, with Johnson’s Daytona 500 paint scheme on the line. And let’s just say… things didn’t go according to plan for the NASCAR legend.
From Twitter Trash Talk to Free-Throw Showdown
The unexpected clash between Johnson and Shaq kicked off on social media, where the 4-time NBA Champion couldn’t help but tease Johnson’s longevity in NASCAR.
Shaq on X (Twitter): “Dang, @JimmieJohnson going for another Daytona?! 22 years not enough for you?”
Johnson’s response: “You know it, @SHAQ. I’ve still got the drive. What about you? How’s that jump shot these days?”
Naturally, Shaq saw an opening—and challenged Johnson to a free-throw contest.
With Shaq’s infamous struggles at the free-throw line during his NBA career (a career 52.7% FT shooter), Johnson smelled an easy victory. So, he raised the stakes:
🏀 If Johnson won: Shaq would have to rock NASCAR gear of Johnson’s choosing.
🏁 If Shaq won: He’d get creative control over Johnson’s Daytona 500 car design.
Fast forward to Feb 2, the two legends met up at a private facility to settle the bet.
Johnson, dripping with confidence, even taunted: “I smell fear.”
But what happened next wasn’t in the script.
Shaq Shocks Jimmie—Secures a 5-4 Comeback Win
Johnson took an early 3-2 lead and had the NASCAR world on the edge of their seats. Could the seven-time Cup champ humiliate an NBA legend on his own turf?
Not so fast.
With the game on the line, Shaq suddenly found his groove. The 7-foot-1 giant delivered a stunning comeback, sinking the final two shots to clinch a 5-4 victory.
💥 Shaq wins the bet.
💥 Shaq now controls Johnson’s Daytona 500 car design.
💥 The NASCAR world holds its breath.
What Will Shaq Do With Johnson’s Daytona 500 Car?
This isn’t Shaq’s first rodeo in NASCAR. The 15-time NBA All-Star has made multiple appearances at Daytona International Speedway, and even rode shotgun with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a stock car back in 2013.
But designing a Daytona 500 race car? That’s uncharted territory.
🚗 Will Shaq slap his face on the hood?
🚗 Will we see a Shaq-sized logo covering the entire roof?
🚗 Could he turn the No. 84 Toyota into a rolling tribute to his favorite fast food chain?
Johnson’s paint scheme reveal is expected in the coming days, and if Shaq’s past branding decisions tell us anything, expect something BIG, BOLD, and WILD.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s Focus Remains on Daytona 500 Qualification
While his car’s design fate rests in Shaq’s hands, Johnson still has serious business ahead.
✅ The 48-year-old will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500.
✅ If successful, this will mark his 700th career start—matching his 7 Cup Series titles.
✅ Competition is fierce, with drivers like Helio Castroneves, Martin Truex Jr., and Shane van Gisbergen also gunning for a spot.
Johnson barely made the cut last year, edging out JJ Yeley in a nail-biting finish. This year? Nothing is guaranteed.
Shaq’s NASCAR Takeover – Brilliant PR Move or a Risky Distraction?
💬 Did Jimmie Johnson make a smart bet, or did he just gamble away his Daytona 500 debut in style?
💬 Is Shaq’s influence a stroke of marketing genius for NASCAR, or could it be an unnecessary distraction?
💬 And most importantly… what kind of wild paint scheme is Johnson about to drive at The Great American Race?
🔥 Debate Below! 🔥