“I have emotions that I didn’t expect to have,” an emotional Jimmie Johnson admitted after delivering an impressive performance at the Daytona 500. While securing a top-three finish was undoubtedly a moment of triumph, Johnson found himself overcome with unexpected emotions—ones deeply tied to the journey of his former teammate, William Byron.

Having spent significant time together as teammates, Johnson and Byron share a unique bond. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has long been a supporter of Byron, who now stands as the reigning Daytona 500 champion. As Johnson reflected on his race, he couldn’t help but look back on the path Byron had carved for himself over the years—one defined by hard work, resilience, and determination.

Johnson remembers Byron’s Halloween days

It was in North Carolina that Jimmie Johnson and William Byron had their first rendezvous. Byron was hardly 5 or 6 at the time and he used to visit Johnson’s house, following the Halloween candy hunt. The Daytona winner grew up admiring Jimmie Johnson, considering him his favorite driver. He always appreciated Johnson’s clean and skillful racing style. In Byron’s second season in the NASCAR Cup Series, he teamed up with Chad Knaus on the No. 24 team. Their partnership proved to be a turning point in his career. Consequently, Byron secured his first Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway in August 2020. It was Knaus who called the shots from the pit box.

As Byron lifted the winner’s trophy at the much coveted Daytona 500 track, Johnson could not help but reflect on how far Byron has come. He said, “Excited to see it. I’ve known William (Byron) for a long time, he would trick or treat at my house when he was maybe, five six years old and come through this little pillow sack and sign up forum and I remember one time so many teammates, someday like sure kid. And just to see his success he had in these big trophies is amazing.” The Daytona 500 saw Byron perform impeccably well. As the race reached its climax, Byron found himself in a position to capitalize on an unexpected turn of events. 

A crucial incident unfolded when Cole Custer made contact with three-time Daytona 500 winner, Denny Hamlin. This had sent off sent Hamlin spinning at the front of the pack. The wreck disrupted the field, creating an opportunity that Byron didn’t hesitate to grab.

In the overtime session, Byron held his ground against fierce competition, crossing the finish line just 0.113 seconds ahead of Tyler Reddick. The victory cemented his place in history, making him the first driver since Hamlin in 2019 and 2020 to win the prestigious Daytona 500 in back-to-back years. For someone like Johnson who had witnessed him grow through all his years of achievement, this was indeed a moment of pride. 

Johnson claims his best Daytona 500 finish since 2013

Jimmie Johnson experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as he climbed out of his No. 84 Toyota at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday night. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner felt both relief and overwhelming pride after a stellar performance in “The Great American Race.” He finished third behind race-winner William Byron and runner-up Tyler Reddick, marking his best finish in the Daytona 500 since he last won it in 2013. 

It also tied his best overall Cup Series result since his final full-time season in 2020. Speaking of the victory, Johnson added, “I love racing. A long time ago, my give-a-(hoot) meter broke, and I’m not here for me. I know other people have different opinions. But I’m not here for me…..I’ve never been in this position as an owner. It’s really a different set of emotions. The pride that I have in this resolve and the pride I have in this company, knowing what we’re trying to achieve and the journey we’re on, I am so satisfied, so happy right now.”

Johnson’s performance at Daytona was more than just a strong finish. It was a testament to his enduring passion for racing and his evolving role as both a competitor and a team owner.