NCS: Jimmie Johnson’s 700th start comes to an early end – Speedway Digest

Jimmie Johnson’s milestone appearance in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway ended prematurely after a crash on lap 111. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion qualified 17th but struggled early, falling to the back of the 40-car field.

Johnson remained near the rear before hitting the wall on lap 111, also collecting Connor Zilisch, who was making his NASCAR Cup Series debut. Johnson managed to drive his damaged No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota to pit road, but the car, visibly suffering from multiple suspension failures and driving nearly sideways, was taken to the garage. The team retired after completing just 111 of the 400 scheduled laps due to extensive damage.

With 84 career wins, including eight at Charlotte and four in the Coca-Cola 600 during his time with Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48, Johnson now focuses on his role as co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. His team showed mixed results, with Erik Jones starting from the rear while John Hunter Nemechek ran strongly, holding top-10 and occasional top-five positions early in the race.

The NASCAR Cup Series continues next Sunday, June 1, with the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, airing at 7 p.m. ET on Prime.