Jimmie Johnson’s name has long been etched into the NASCAR record books. With seven Cup Series championships, including a mind-blowing streak of five in a row from 2006 to 2010, he’s one of the sport’s all-time greats. But for Johnson, there’s one championship that stands above the rest—the 2016 title race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It wasn’t just another win; it was a dramatic, heart-pounding moment that cemented his legacy alongside NASCAR GOATs Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Johnson opened up about that night and the emotional rollercoaster he endured in the final laps. From despair to triumph, the sequence of events still gives him goosebumps years later.

‘Fifteen laps to go and wasn’t going to win,’ exclaims Jimmie Johnson

Looking back on that race, Johnson painted a vivid picture of what was running through his mind. “Fifteen laps before I won the race and the championship, I was in sixth place and wasn’t going to win,” he admitted. “I didn’t realize the strengths I had under pressure until I was in those moments.”

The 2016 championship race was a wild one from the start, with the championship contenders battling fiercely for the ultimate prize. For much of the race, it looked like Carl Edwards had the championship in the bag. But as NASCAR fans know, anything can happen in the final moments—and that night, it did.

A massive wreck with just 10 laps to go sent Edwards spinning into the wall resulting in a red flag. The tension was unbearable, even for seasoned drivers like Johnson. “I was bummed, sad, and angry,” he said.

Then came the restart, and the entire race flipped on its head. Johnson, who had spent much of the evening outside the championship picture, suddenly found himself in contention. With just two laps to go, he made the move of his life, taking the lead in an overtime restart.

“I did my best work when I only gave 100%, and I’ve spent a long part of my career trying to understand what that is,” he said. When the checkered flag waved, Johnson not only won the race but joined an exclusive club of seven-time champions—a feat once thought impossible.

“That emotional rollercoaster—I wish I could relive that experience again,” he said.

When Dale Jr. weighed in and gave props

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As Johnson celebrated in victory lane, his teammate and friend Dale Earnhardt Jr. couldn’t help but reflect on what the moment meant. For Junior, it was personal. Johnson had just tied his father’s record, but instead of feeling overshadowed, Dale Jr. had nothing but admiration.

“I thought people were starting to come around to liking Jimmie,” Earnhardt Jr. said at the time. “Now others are realizing how great he is. I can tell you this: if Jimmie had raced against Dad, Dad wouldn’t have won seven championships; and if Dad had raced against Jimmie, he wouldn’t have won seven championships.”

It was high praise from someone who grew up in the shadow of NASCAR royalty. But Junior wasn’t the only one blown away by Johnson’s achievement. Fans, drivers, and crew members alike recognized the magnitude of what had just happened.

For Johnson, the victory was almost surreal. “My gosh, there is no, no way on earth,” he said in disbelief after the race. “Just beyond words. Just didn’t think the race was unfolding for us like we needed to be the champs, but we just kept our heads in the game.”

He didn’t hold back his gratitude, either. “I wouldn’t be here without so many people believing in me and giving me this chance. From my dirt days—my parents, my brothers, my wife, my family today, car owners, sponsors, Chevrolet, Lowe’s, and so many others.”

And even as the celebrations continued, Johnson already had his sights set on the future. “I don’t know what the chances are, but let’s go,” he said about chasing an eighth championship. “I’m so excited to put that in front of myself and the team as a hurdle to get over and an accomplishment to achieve.” And while that eighth title now remains elusive, it takes nothing away from the significance of the achievement.

It wasn’t just Johnson who felt the weight of the moment. Jeff Gordon, his former teammate and mentor, summed it up perfectly: “Jimmie wanted that thing. He wanted that seventh championship, and he got it done. He deserves it. Just an amazing experience.”

For Johnson, that night in Homestead was more than a victory. It was a testament to his career, his team, and his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. And for fans, it was a reminder that in NASCAR, the story isn’t over until the final lap.