LEGENDS RETURN: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson Confirm One-Time NASCAR Reunion Race

In a nostalgic moment that sent NASCAR fans into joyful disbelief, legends Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson jointly announced they’ll be reuniting for a one-time race this summer. The duo will compete at the Daytona International Speedway in a special “Nextel to Now” throwback event honoring NASCAR’s transition from the early 2000s to the modern era. “We’re doing this for the fans,” said Earnhardt Jr. “One more time. One more ride.” Johnson added, “We’re bringing back the fire, the style, and the roar of a golden era.” Both will drive specially designed retro-styled cars paying tribute to their peak championship years. The announcement was made during a live stream on NASCAR’s official YouTube, and viewership spiked past 2 million within the hour. Dale Jr. last raced full-time in 2017, while Johnson has dabbled in part-time appearances, but both emphasized this would be “a true, competitive race—not a parade lap.” Fans immediately began flooding Daytona ticket sites, with resale prices already soaring. NASCAR CEO Jim France called it “the moment fans have been begging for.” The track, the thunder, the rivalry—it’s all coming back for one epic night.