Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has left the door open for him to race more in the Truck Series in future seasons.
Johnson got back behind the wheel of a truck for the first time in 18 years at Coronado Naval Base last Friday, knocking off some rust in practice before qualifying fourth and running in the lead of the race for a period before getting spun and facing technical difficulties.
The 50-year-old Legacy Motor Club owner appeared to enjoy getting back behind the wheel (although he bemoaned the lack of respect drivers now appear to have for each other and their trucks), and has hinted that he could yet go back and do it all again.
Asked if he would come back to the Truck Series on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio this week, Johnson admitted that there probably isn't a spot for him this year, but said he 'loves' racing and was up for a future chance to race again if it presents itself next year.
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Johnson: I still love driving
"This year I'd probably say no," he admitted. "I think the vehicles are committed and booked up, but as I look to 2027 we have a lot of growth taking place at Legacy.
"If it's our driver development program, if it's our over the wall pit crew growth program, sponsorship recruitment, retaining...any of those elements that help core product and help us with the NASCAR Cup program, I'm up for it.
"I still wanna drive, I love it, I enjoy it, the truth is on Sundays I've got work to do. We have a lot of people, and a lot of partners at the track, soon to be three cars on the track, and I just have other work that's much more of a priority these days than me going out there sliding around and putting a smile on my face."
Johnson shocked by 'disrespect' in Truck Series return
Speaking to the media the day after his Truck race in San Diego, Johnson said: "Yesterday I just couldn’t believe the disrespect that everybody had from the jump. I mean, just gouging each other nonstop and I was up at the front racing away and we were pointing each other by, and I was like, this is old school Cup, this makes sense.
"The way the fuel cycle worked out I entered mid pack and I look around and I saw these trucks all twisted up, and I thought they had hit the wall, and I guess maybe some did, but it was all from bashing into one another on the track.
"And then I got turned around twice, just last second lunges into areas that nobody should have been. So, it is what it is. When I look at my Instagram feed or my twitter feed and see the local short tracks and behavior there, man, it’s just wild. So we’ll see where it goes.”
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