Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson will return to off-road racing, the sport where his career began, by competing in the 2026 BF Goodrich Mint 400. The event, held March 4-8 in Las Vegas, is regarded as one of the toughest and most prestigious American motorsport challenges. Johnson will pilot the No. 84 Carvana 1Nine Industries-built Trick Truck fielded by Terrible Herbst Motorsports, continuing his partnership with longtime sponsor Carvana.
From Desert Racing Roots to NASCAR Stardom
Before rising to fame in NASCAR, Johnson honed his skills on rough courses across Southern California, competing in motorcycle and off-road truck racing. His early victories included securing a class championship in the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Racing Series, a platform that shaped his driving style and competitive edge. Returning to the Mint 400 marks a moment of full-circle reflection for Johnson, reconnecting with the discipline that defined his early development.
“Off-road racing is where I learned how to race,”
Johnson said.
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.
Joining Forces With Terrible Herbst Motorsports and Jason Duncan
Johnson will share driving duties with San Diego native Jason Duncan, who will serve as co-driver and navigator for the race. Terrible Herbst Motorsports, a deeply respected name in off-road racing with strong ties to Nevada’s racing heritage, brings extensive experience to the collaboration. This partnership combines Johnson’s modern motorsports success with the team’s proven desert-racing expertise.
“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.
A Historic Race Challenging Man and Machine
Established in 1967, the Mint 400 remains a benchmark for off-road competitors, testing endurance, skill, and resilience through Nevada’s demanding desert terrain. Johnson’s entry adds a new chapter to the event’s rich history, joining an elite group of drivers who have taken on this unforgiving challenge. Comprehensive media coverage will include live broadcasts on SPEED SPORT 1, with multiple camera angles capturing the fast-paced action.
Significance of Johnson’s Return to Off-Road Racing
Jimmie Johnson’s participation in the Mint 400 highlights a meaningful return to his foundational racing roots and emphasizes his versatility as a driver. His collaboration with Carvana and Terrible Herbst Motorsports signals a blend of legacy and innovation, poised to energize fans across different motorsport communities. Looking forward, Johnson’s off-road comeback is likely to inspire renewed interest in desert racing and showcase the adaptability required to master diverse racing formats.
