Shaquille O’Neal, a well-known NBA star, has earned the opportunity to design the paint scheme for the No. 84 Carvana Toyota, driven by Jimmie Johnson, at the Daytona 500. This came following a friendly competition in which Shaq and Johnson faced off in a free throw shooting contest.

O’Neal and Johnson engaged in a playful banter leading up to this event on social media. Initially, O’Neal had teased Johnson about returning to compete at 49 years old, before they decided to settle the matter with a free throw competition. The stakes were lowered from a complete lap in Johnson’s car down to the privilege of designing it.

In the end, O’Neal secured victory, and along with the design rights, he will don his own NASCAR Cup Series firesuit.

“It’s the moment you didn’t know you’ve been waiting for… me vs @jimmiejohnson in a free-throw contest that’ll determine the Daytona paint scheme!! Who will win, and what design will JJ be rocking?”
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 2, 2025

As the date for the Daytona 500 approaches, Johnson will need to qualify for the event. He’s set to attempt two Cup Series races this season, potentially making it to his 700th career start if he qualifies successfully.

The entry of O’Neal into the NASCAR scene is notable, connecting the growing relationship between the NBA and NASCAR. Notably, Brad Daugherty, another basketball legend, won the Daytona 500 as a team co-owner, while Michael Jordan is also investing in NASCAR through his team, 23XI Racing.