Seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, fresh off his 23rd Daytona 500, is ready to trade in the helmet for a headset and microphone. Johnson is expected to ride atop the pit box for Dario Franchitti when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series visits St. Petersburg on February 28.
This will mark FranchittiThis is the first NASCAR start in 17 years. As the rest of the garage prepares to head to Austin, Texas, for the Circuit of the Americas next week, the Truck Series will compete on a road course in St. Petersburg for the first time in 31 years. The truck schedule now includes two road courses in 2026, with the San Diego Road Race also on the schedule.
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A representative from Tricon Garage confirmed Monday that Jerame Donley will be the crew chief for the No. 1 Toyota and will handle pit duties. Johnson‘s involvement will be more ceremonial in nature, although he is expected to contribute in a supportive and advisory role.
Johnson said: “I’m super excited, Tricon has amazing equipment. They set up a really great opportunity for us to run Dario.”
The connection between Johnson and Franchitti dates back decades. THE Heritage Car Club The owner pushed Franchitti to strap himself into a truck, but there was a catch. Franchitti set a condition. If he wanted to run, Johnson had to be on the field. The seven-time Cup champion has signed on the dotted line.
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He will now perch on top of the stand and try not to disrupt Franchitti’s rhythm. Both drivers belong to a small circle with recorded laps in NASCAR and IndyCar. Franchitti has four IndyCar titles and three Indianapolis 500 victories.
Even before that pit meeting, Johnson had crossed paths with full-time No. 1 crew chief Jerame Donley during his time at Hendrick Motorsports. Donley also shares ties to Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club, having lined up for Ty Dillon’s No. 42 Chevrolet in 2022.
Beyond his first-ever stint as crew chief, rumors have also surfaced that Johnson will line up for the BFGoodrich Mint 400, an off-road desert showdown near Las Vegas, Nevada, taking place March 4-8. The event features more than 50 classes, ranging from 1,000-horsepower Unlimited trucks to vintage bikes, UTVs and even Volkswagen Bugs. Johnson will pilot the No. 84 Carvana 1Nine Industries Trick Truck under the Terrible Herbst Motorsports banner.
So while spinning plates in all directions, Johnson also drew a line in the sand, confirming that next year’s Daytona 500 will be his final appearance in the Cup Series, ending even his part-time racing.
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