There will be plenty of flashy and eye-catching paint schemes on the track at Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series season opener, the 2025 Daytona 500. But Jimmie Johnson‘s ride will be hard to miss.
The seven-time NASCAR champ — who races part-time for his team, Legacy Motor Club after retiring from full-time racing in 2020 —will pilot the No. 84 Toyota in Sunday’s Daytona 500. He’s one of nine drivers without a charter entered in the race, and he and Martin Truex Jr. — who retired from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season — locked themselves into the after qualifying for the 40-car Daytona 500 field Wednesday night.
Johnson’s paint scheme for the Daytona 500 was designed in part by Shaquille O’Neal and is inspired by his career, particularly his time with the Orlando Magic.
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But, of course, like everything in NASCAR, it’s all tied to Johnson’s sponsor, Carvana, which also works with Shaq. The pair faced off in a free throw contest with the chance to design the paint scheme on the line, and, despite his extremely mediocre time at the line in the NBA, Shaq barely beat Johnson in a first-to-five competition.
It’s the moment you didn’t know you’ve been waiting for… me vs @jimmiejohnson in a free-throw contest that’ll determine the Daytona paint scheme!! Who will win, and what design will JJ be rocking? #ad@carvanaracing @legacymotorclub @shaqsfunhouse pic.twitter.com/fAcfs95wVc
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 2, 2025
So Shaq designed the No. 84 car’s paint scheme for the 2025 Daytona 500. Via Legacy Motor Club:
“Shaq’s take on the No. 84 Toyota draws inspiration from his classic 1990s uniform, complete with signature pinstripes, a sleek colorway, and the iconic “Dunkman” logo taking center stage on the hood of the car.”
Well, a bet’s a bet… @SHAQ designed it, and I’m sticking to my word. See it on track February 16th! #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/JK1nDUm2PA
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 8, 2025
Count us in for the @JimmieJohnson x @SHAQ crossover. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/LyI7rgJZDa
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 13, 2025
“I have to admit—he’s got style. It’s bold, it’s iconic, and I can’t wait to take it to the track,” Johnson said in a release.
Here’s a closer look at Johnson’s paint scheme for the 2025 Daytona 500:
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)
Feb 12, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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) ORG XMIT: 776282960 ORIG FILE ID: 2199145155
The 2025 Daytona 500 is Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET on Fox.