Jimmie Johnson received a special honor at Sonoma Raceway prior to the Toyota/Save Mart 350, being inducted into the track’s Wall of Fame in recognition of his achievements in NASCAR and his connection to the California venue. Johnson’s legacy includes 18 starts at Sonoma, where he earned nine top-10 finishes and achieved a memorable victory in 2010, marking his only road course win in a storied career.
Throughout his racing tenure, Johnson drove exclusively for Hendrick Motorsports and amassed 83 Cup Series victories, tying with Cale Yarborough for sixth place on the all-time wins list. Notably, Johnson secured seven championships, rivaled only by legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr., making him one of the sport’s greatest. After retiring in 2020, he transitioned into team ownership, becoming co-owner of Legacy Motor Club in 2023.
Reflecting on the induction, the 49-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating:
“What an honor. I have this forever up in Sonoma Raceway history. Thank you so much for this amazing surprise.” —Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Hall of Famer
Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway’s executive vice president and general manager, highlighted Johnson’s significance to the track and the sport:
“We are honored to celebrate Jimmie Johnson’s incredible legacy by inducting him into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame.” —Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway EVP and GM
“Jimmie’s accomplishments, both at our track and across his storied career, embody the spirit of excellence that defines this sport. As a California native, his impact resonates deeply with our fans and community.” —Brian Flynn, Sonoma Raceway EVP and GM
Johnson’s win at Sonoma Raceway, then known as Infineon Raceway, came during the 2010 season when he drove the #48 Chevrolet. He led half the race, leading 55 of 110 laps, and finished 3.105 seconds ahead of Robby Gordon at the checkered flag. That season, Johnson secured his fifth consecutive championship, underscoring his dominance in the sport.
Currently, Johnson is focused on his role with Legacy Motor Club, where he oversees the two-car Cup Series team. At the 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350, driver John Hunter Nemechek started 18th in the #42 Toyota, while teammate Erik Jones began the race 31st in the #43 car.
Johnson Discusses Expansion Plans for Legacy Motor Club’s Driver Lineup
Recently, Johnson shared insights on Legacy Motor Club’s future ambitions to grow its driver roster by adding a third car. When asked about potential candidates, he pointed to talented NASCAR Xfinity Series rookies Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love as promising options to fill the new seat.
During an appearance on the Never Settle podcast, Johnson stated:
“When you look through the Xfinity Series, Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love. I think you also look through the garage area in the Cup Series, and there’s some young talent that took early steps to get into vehicles.” —Jimmie Johnson, LMC co-owner
“So there are just questions in my mind, especially wearing my team owner’s hat. We’re looking to expand to a third car and hope to announce some stuff here in the near future around that. But where to look, it’s tough.” —Jimmie Johnson, LMC co-owner
Zilisch and Love have both proven competitive, ranking in the top five of the Xfinity points standings, with Zilisch notching three wins, including the recent Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway. Johnson’s intention is to debut the third car as early as next season, though the team remains flexible, with a potential start date extending through 2027 if necessary.
The induction of Jimmie Johnson into the Sonoma Raceway Wall of Fame not only honors his exceptional performance at this iconic track but also celebrates his enduring contributions to NASCAR as a driver and team owner. His ongoing involvement with Legacy Motor Club suggests that Johnson’s influence on the sport will continue as new talent—like Zilisch and Love—emerges under his guidance. As the Toyota/Save Mart 350 unfolds, fans witness both a tribute to Johnson’s past achievements and a glimpse into NASCAR’s evolving future.