The California kid is on a mission to get behind the wheel for a special race. Jimmie Johnson has confirmed that he is aggressively trying to put together a deal to race in NASCAR's first-ever event on Naval Base Coronado near San Diego.
Johnson, a native of nearby El Cajon, California, met with media members on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming street race in Southern California. He explained that this event intrigues him and that it means so much for the San Diego area, especially after El Cajon Speedway shut down.
This race also coincides with an important anniversary for the seven-time champion.
"Obviously it's new news, but the desire to race in my hometown is off the charts," Johnson told assembled media. "I will aggressively work on being in the event. If for some reason I'm not able to pull that off, I will absolutely be there and help support Legacy Motor Club, all of our partners, NASCAR, the city.
"We're also coming up on our 20th anniversary for the Jimmie Johnson foundation, which will be next year. I see a really neat opportunity for me to come home and really be a part of the festivities in this the event."
NASCAR’s coming to SoCal… LET’S GO! https://t.co/DXVWlMkDiu
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 23, 2025
Putting together the deal requires multiple factors to fall into place. First, Johnson needs a sponsor who will want to support him in his home race. This should not be a major hurdle to overcome. After all, EVP and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy told media members that this historic event is already bringing new partners to the sport.
The other big factor is the ride. Legacy Motor Club has previously fielded a third, part-time entry for Johnson since he became a co-owner of the team. This is something the team could do once again in 2026, but Johnson noted that they have far bigger plans.
Their goal is to acquire a third charter to field a third full-time car. Although this is an ongoing issue as Legacy Motor Club is tied up in a legal battle with Rick Ware Racing, as well as businessman TJ Puchyr.
If Legacy Motor Club is able to acquire this third charter, Johnson will have an easier time putting together a deal to race on Naval Base Coronado and in multiple other events next season.
"I want to keep going. I want to stay in a car," Johnson said. "I think it's good for us. We're hopeful to have a third charter. Need to start building a team.
"There's a chance that I run more races next year if we have a third charter on the docket and have a sponsor to bring along, team members to groom, a crew chief to get reps, a driver to get reps. There's a lot of scenarios that are in play. I'm hopeful I can keep going."