Earlier this month, in a media release on behalf of Legacy Motorclub, seven-time champ and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson announced plans to attempt qualification for the field of 42 in the upcoming Daytona 500. He is eager to get back on the track but faces criticism from a surprising source. NBA All-Star and sports commentator Shaquille O’Neal took to X to express his thoughts on Johnson’s lengthy career.
The basketball mogul was in utter disbelief upon learning that Johnson was making yet another return. Johnson’s hilarious response has turned X’s platform into an all-out frenzy, garnering O’Neal attention he did not anticipate. Here’s the inside scoop on the hilarious conversation that ensued between the two sports greats over the platform and why Johnson is unfazed.
Shaq’s Remarks on Jimmie Johnson’s Daytona 500 Return
NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has already amassed over 83 career wins, 7 championship wins, 222 top-fives, 341 top-tens, and 35 poles over a career spanning nearly two decades. However, he would ultimately retire from the sport in 2020, but not for long. Johnson couldn’t seem to shake the itch to get back behind the wheel and re-emerged for select races in 2023. This included the iconic Crown Jewel of all races, the Daytona 500, which he hopes to qualify for this season.
Even though the Hall of Famer has won the Daytona 500 twice, in 2006 and 2017, he’s faced criticism as many spectators believe his talent has dried up. One unlikely spectator took to social media to express his concern for Johnson’s return. Basketball great Shaquille O’Neal remarked on a recent X announcement that NASCAR’s “Superman” plans to return to Daytona this year. O’Neal tagged the 49-year-old in a controversial post that seemingly responded with criticism of his 22-year stint as a driver.
“Dang, Jimmie Johnson is going for another Daytona?! 22 years is not enough for you?” the post read. Johnson countered the post by rubbing his 2025 return in the retired legend’s face and poking fun at his basketball career. “You know it, Shaq?” “I’ve still got the drive,” “What about you?” “How’s that jump shot these days?” So far, there is no word on a response from Shaquille O’Neal, but nonetheless, that was a great and equally amusing save on Johnson’s part.
How Johnson is Counteracting the Criticism
Though Jimmie Johnson has seemingly faced harsh criticism due to his determination to remain a focal point in NASCAR, he remains hopeful for 2025. In addition to the Daytona 500 on February 16, Johnson plans to run in the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte. He hopes he’ll be able to secure his 700th start as a cup driver if he successfully qualifies for the field, but he’s not sweating it.
Instead, he’s looking ahead with his eyes on the prize and hopeful for success after a disastrous past two seasons, regardless of any scrutiny. Comments like Shaquille O’Neal’s fuel Jimmie Johnson’s desire to keep going. Who could argue with that with a record that ties “The Intimidator,” Dale Earnhardt, and “The King,” Richard Petty, for the most Cup Series championships won?
Can he add to this in 2025? It sure looks like he’s got winning on his mind and his energy into qualifying. So, rather than reacting to criticism negatively, he eagerly awaits his chance to get back on track and prove why he’s already earned seven cup titles. Will he finally be able to secure a win and prove the naysayers like Shaquille O’Neal wrong?
Final Thoughts
Over the years, seven-time NASCAR champ and Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson has won and lost some, but nothing compared to the past two seasons. Since coming out of retirement in 2023, Johnson has been in a series of crashes, leaving him unable to finish races and has barely been able to finish beyond 12th. Because of this, he’s faced backlash in his ability to perform, and many in the sports community feel it’s time to throw in the towel. Shaquille O’Neal is no exception. Could the No.84 driver finally give in and make this season his last?
