Jimmie Johnson challenges Shaquille O'Neal to free throw contest amid online banter

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson and former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal have engaged in a playful social media exchange, culminating in a challenge to a free throw competition. This banter began when O'Neal questioned Johnson's decision to compete in the 2025 Daytona 500, a race Johnson has previously won twice. Johnson, who plans to participate in both the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in 2025, retorted humorously about O'Neal's basketball skills, leading to the challenge. Meanwhile, NASCAR has introduced a new rule granting IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves a guaranteed spot in the Daytona 500, which has drawn attention given Johnson's exclusion from this exemption. Despite this, Johnson remains a prominent figure in NASCAR, co-owning Legacy Motor Club and aiming for significant milestones, including his 700th start. The exchange highlights Johnson's continued passion for racing and O'Neal's enduring basketball legacy.