After locking in his return to the Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson will not stop at just one traditional stock car appearance in 2026. His plans include a blend of Cup and truck series starts that reflect a nod to his early racing roots.

Johnson is set to compete in the 2026 Mint 400 in a Trick Truck for Terrible Herbst Motorsports, with Carvana continuing as his primary partner. NASCAR journalist Joseph Srigley posted on X the official announcement:

Johnson acknowledged that off-road competition “is where I learned racecraft, patience, and respect for the terrain,” emphasizing that those lessons carried directly into his NASCAR success.

Before climbing NASCAR’s ladder, Johnson raced motorcycles and off-road trucks across the Southwest, developing the car control and endurance that later defined his Cup Series dominance.

Terrible Herbst Motorsports owner Troy Herbst highlighted that connection, noting that Johnson’s background makes him “a natural fit” for the Mint 400’s physical and mental demands.

Johnson’s schedule also includes his return to NASCAR’s biggest stage at the Daytona 500, ensuring that his presence in the Cup Series remains competitive rather than ceremonial.

But the contrast between Daytona’s precision drafting and the chaos of the Nevada desert is exactly what makes the schedule striking. Johnson’s 2026 plans reflect a driver choosing challenge over comfort, opting to race where skill and adaptability matter more than familiarity.

What Jimmie Johnson’s 2026 schedule will look like

The Mint 400 is an important event in Jimmie Johnson’s 2026 calendar. It comes after the Daytona 500 and combines his NASCAR activities with off-road racing. This marks a shift in his focus from just racing on tracks.

After driving Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet at Daytona on February 15, the 50-year-old is preparing for a busy schedule. This is his fourth year in a row competing in the Great American Race, and he is using the Open Exemption Provisional to participate.

His schedule will look like this: race at the Naval Base Coronado street circuit in San Diego on June 21. Before that, on June 19, there will be a special Truck Series race with TRICON Garage in the No. 1 Toyota. The Mint 400, which takes place from March 6-8, will feature the No. 42 Terrible Herbst Trophy Truck competing on 100-mile rough loops, just a few weeks after the Daytona race.

This TRICON Truck race marks Johnson’s first national series truck race since his crash in Bristol in 2008, where he led 29 laps before finishing 34th.

Now, he is racing for redemption in San Diego on a 3.4-mile, 16-turn waterfront track, which feels like a “home game” because of his Southern California roots. He is part of 2025 champion Corey Heim’s team.

“Racing in San Diego means everything to me—it’s home,” Johnson noted earlier, underscoring his love for San Diego. This plan includes events like the Daytona 500, the Mint 400, and San Diego, with more events likely to be added. Johnson is looking to expand the schedule, possibly including tracks like Charlotte or Texas from his successful career with 83 wins.

Carvana supports the No. 84 Toyota, helping the seven-time champion build momentum for the season. His off-road endurance training will improve his skills for summer oval races.

Legacy teammates John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones will gain valuable insights from him, while fans watch this new approach to racing after age 50.