Another one who captured everyone’s attention was Jimmie Johnson, who surprised many with a third-place finish. Johnson is arguably the best NASCAR driver ever, as evidenced by

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Carvana Toyota drives through the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Although he came up short in the rain-delayed event, the overall result may have been as special as those Daytona 500 wins because it came in his first year as majority owner at Legacy Motor Club and included a strong showing from Legacy drivers John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones.

Jimmie Johnson will attempt to lock into the 2025 Daytona 500 field in a No. 84 Carvana paint scheme designed by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal revealed the paint scheme at Shaq's Fun House in New Orleans on February 7.

Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson survived last-lap chaos at the Daytona 500 and savored landmark achievements as driver and team owner Sunday night. The 49-year-old legend scored a third-place finish in the Great American Race,

Jimmie Johnson finished third in the Daytona 500 and saw his Legacy Motor Club teammate John Hunter Nemechek also come home in the top-five.