Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson may have left his glory days in NASCAR in the rear-view mirror, but the 50-year-old still has the need for speed. Having taken a brief absence from the NASCAR world, Johnson returned to racing at the ovals this year as well, and in dramatic fashion.
Back for only two races, the Legacy Motor Club co-owner finished the Daytona 500 in third place, marking his best finish in the Cup series since his return. Then, in the Coca-Cola 600, the veteran marked his 700th Cup Series start, entering an elite club.
And with all that over, Johnson still isn’t done with racing, with a special appearance lined up for him overseas.
What’s Happening in Japan That Puts Jimmie Johnson Back in a NASCAR Car?
Having still not called time on his NASCAR career, Johnson continues to be a driver available to take up a part-time role, should a team need him to. Although no team has shown interest, the 50-year-old remains a key figure in the sport, still capable of driving crowds to the stands with his appearance.
And the same seems to be the case with NASCAR’s Japan showcase, which aligns with the final round of the Super Taikyu Series at Fuji.
According to an X update by veteran NASCAR Insider Steven Taranto, there will be a NASCAR demonstration run in Fuji. While Johnson will be an essential part of the showcase, he will be joined by fellow NASCAR veteran John Hunter Nemechek.
Furthermore, resident Japanese racing driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner (2021) Kamui Kobayashi will also be featuring on the roster. Notably, Kobayashi has also been an F1 driver in the past, having spent the majority of his career with Sauber, earning a single podium finish.
Takuma Koga, Kazuto Kotaka, and Toshiki Oyu will complete the rest of the roster as the event is set to take place on Nov. 15 and 16 this year.
Despite the Japanese star power dominating the roster, Johnson’s presence remains a highlight in its own right, given that the 50-year-old has the tied record for most Cup Series championship wins of all time.
He sits in elite company with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr., making him a legendary athlete in his own right.
Once he’s done with his appearance in Japan, don’t mistake the LMC co-owner as stepping away from racing. The 83-time Cup Series race winner then plans on returning to the Cup Series for the first-ever San Diego Naval Base race that is scheduled for next season.
