After locking in his return to the Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson will not stop at just one traditional stock car appearance in 2026. In a recent reveal, Johnson’s schedule will 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 the official announcement on X:

“Off-road racing is where I learned how to race,” said Johnson. “The Mint 400 is raw, demanding, and unpredictable—and that’s what makes it special. To come back and do it with Carvana and a team like Terrible Herbst Motorsports, in a trick truck, is incredibly meaningful to me.”

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

After Daytona, his upcoming schedule begins with the Mint 400 from March 6–8. Later in June, he will return to NASCAR competition with TRICON Garage in the No. 1 Toyota for a Truck Series race on June 19. This will be followed by a start at the Naval Base Coronado street circuit in San Diego on June 21.

“Racing in San Diego means everything to me—it’s home,” Johnson noted earlier, underscoring his love for San Diego. 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.