Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson is set to make a notable comeback to off-road racing by competing in the 2026 BF Goodrich Mint 400. The race will take place from March 4 to 8 in Las Vegas, where Johnson will pilot the No. 84 Carvana Trick Truck, marking a homecoming to the sport that first shaped his racing career.
Jimmie Johnson’s Full-Circle Return to Desert Racing
Before his ascent to NASCAR stardom and Hall of Fame recognition, Jimmie Johnson established his roots in off-road racing across Southern California’s demanding landscapes. His early years featured competition on motorcycles and off-road trucks, culminating in capturing a class championship in the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Racing Series. This background laid a foundation of resilience and skill that propelled him through desert racing and into stock-car prominence. Now, competing at the Mint 400, Johnson revisits the arena where he first mastered intense, unpredictable racing conditions.
Johnson will drive a trick truck built by Carvana 1Nine Industries and fielded by Terrible Herbst Motorsports, a respected team with deep Nevada racing heritage. Carvana’s sponsorship continues its ongoing partnership with Johnson, reinforcing a shared commitment to motorsport excellence.
Off-road racing is where I learned how to race,
Johnson stated.
The Mint 400 is raw, demanding, and unpredictable—and that’s what makes it special. To come back and do it with Carvana and a team like Terrible Herbst Motorsports, in a trick truck, is incredibly meaningful to me.
?Jimmie Johnson, Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Historic Significance of the Mint 400
First held in 1967, the Mint 400 stands as one of the most challenging and prestigious off-road races in the United States. Known as the ultimate test of endurance for drivers and vehicles alike, it has attracted many legendary competitors over decades. Johnson’s participation adds immense star power and experience to a field defined by determination and grit.
For the 2026 event, Johnson will be teamed with Jason Duncan, a San Diego native serving as co-driver and navigator. This pairing combines veteran guidance with Johnson’s versatility and competitive spirit.
Connection with Terrible Herbst Motorsports and Regional Legacy
Terrible Herbst Motorsports is deeply embedded in the Southwest’s off-road culture. Founded by the Herbst family, the team carries a legacy that spans over 40 years. Patriarch Jerry Herbst initiated this tradition, which continues through his sons Ed, Tim, and Troy, all Las Vegas natives. Their team has achieved numerous victories across Nevada, Southern California, Arizona, and Baja California, underscoring their dominance in desert racing disciplines.
Bringing Johnson into this respected organization merges his unparalleled NASCAR accomplishments with the Herbsts’ desert racing expertise. The collaboration stands to elevate the competitiveness and visibility of the Mint 400.
Jimmie Johnson represents excellence, adaptability, and credibility across every form of motorsport,
said Troy Herbst, team owner.
The Mint 400 is an iconic event, and teaming up with Jimmie and Terrible Herbst Motorsports allows us to tell a powerful story about legacy, grit, and pushing limits in new environments.
?Troy Herbst, Owner of Terrible Herbst Motorsports
Broadcast and Coverage Details for the 2026 Race
The 2026 Mint 400 will be covered extensively, with live broadcasts on SPEED SPORT 1 as well as multiple streaming platforms. Fans can expect dynamic footage captured via drones, helicopters, and vehicle-mounted cameras, providing immersive insights into the race’s unforgiving terrain and high-speed challenges.
Carvana’s Role and Ongoing Support
Carvana, a leader in automotive ecommerce founded in 2013, continues its support of Johnson’s racing ventures by sponsoring his Mint 400 entry. With over four million customers, Carvana aims to revolutionize car buying and selling through its innovative, technology-driven platform. Its partnership with Johnson reflects a broader alignment on innovation, performance, and customer engagement within motorsports.
Legacy Motor Club and Johnson’s Broader Racing Involvement
Alongside his off-road pursuits, Jimmie Johnson owns Legacy Motor Club (LEGACY MC), a leading NASCAR team competing under the Toyota Racing banner. The club fields drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek in the Cup Series, while Johnson himself races part-time in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. LEGACY MC combines a rich racing tradition with forward-thinking ambition, supported by NASCAR legend Richard Petty as an ambassador. This multifaceted involvement highlights Johnson’s expansive influence across multiple motorsport realms.
Why Johnson’s Mint 400 Return Matters
Jimmie Johnson’s re-entry into off-road racing stands as a testament to his enduring passion and adaptability as a driver. Returning to the sport where he first built his competitive foundation underscores the importance of versatility and resilience in a racing career. His engagement with Terrible Herbst Motorsports and continued partnership with Carvana signal a powerful union of talent, experience, and legacy, poised to inspire fans and fellow competitors alike.
As the Mint 400 approaches, Johnson’s participation is expected to draw heightened attention to the event and off-road racing in general, potentially elevating its profile and attracting new audiences. This return also serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished champions can find renewed challenges and growth in returning to their origins.
