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NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson has found himself at the center of attention as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Daytona 500, with added pressure stemming from a promotional collaboration with basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal.
Fox Sports NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass noted that the already high stakes of making it into the race have been amplified by the excitement surrounding Johnson’s uniquely designed car.
Jimmie Johnson, well-known for his accomplishments as a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, retired from full-time racing in 2020. Since then, he has moved into a co-ownership role at Legacy Motor Club, a team he helped create.
This year’s Daytona 500 marks a special return for Johnson, who has participated minimally in racing since stepping down.
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More News: Jimmie Johnson Accelerates Team Ownership Takeover in Surprise Move
Following a playful social media exchange, O’Neal challenged Johnson to a free-throw contest with a creative outcome: O’Neal got to design Johnson’s car livery for the race. The result is a car decked out in pinstripes and colors reminiscent of O’Neal’s NBA days with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers. At its debut at Shaq’s Fun House in New Orleans, the car stood out, especially with the prominent display of O’Neal’s distinctive “Dunkman” logo.
Pockrass shared to social media after the livery release:
“Pressure would be on Jimmie Johnson to make the Daytona 500 no matter what but with this amount of promotion, likely will be even more.”
Speaking about the collaboration, O’Neal explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
“Jimmie and I had a ton of fun putting this together. The car looks amazing, and I can’t wait to see him tear up the track next Sunday. Lucky for him, he’s got a better shot at victory lane than at the free-throw line!”
Johnson also commented:
“I figured our little feud would stay online, but next thing I know, Shaq’s challenging me to a free throw contest and calling the shots on my paint scheme.
“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.”
For the latest NASCAR news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
- Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
- Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
- Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
- Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
- Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
- Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
- Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
- Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
- Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
- Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC
